Yakitori Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers
Savor the authentic flavors of Japan with Yakitori, Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers, a beloved street-food classic that's as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated and basted with a rich tare sauce, a perfectly balanced blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, caramelized to create a glossy, flavorful glaze. Skewered with optional green onions for a pop of freshness, these bite-sized delights are grilled to perfection, achieving a smoky char that's irresistible. Ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is simple and satisfying, ready in under 40 minutes. Serve hot with extra tare sauce on the side for an authentic Japanese dining experience everyone will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Chicken thighs
- 120 ml Soy sauce
- 60 ml Mirin
- 60 ml Sake
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 stalks Green onions (optional)
- 8 pieces Wooden skewers
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
Instructions
Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. If using green onions, cut them into 1-inch pieces to skewer alternately with the chicken.
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This is the tare sauce.
Thread the chicken pieces (and green onion pieces, if using) onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each to ensure even cooking.
Brush the chicken skewers lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Brush the skewers generously with the tare sauce as they cook to build up a flavorful glaze.
Continue grilling and basting for a total of 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through with a slightly charred exterior.
Serve hot with any remaining tare sauce on the side for extra dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
377 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.1 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 131 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 1259 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.6 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.9 g | ||
| Protein | 35.5 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 439 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
