Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Japan with these mouthwatering Yakitori Chicken Skewers. This classic dish brings the essence of Japanese street food right to your kitchen, combining tender chicken, sweet-savory sauce, and a perfect balance of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the bustling izakayas of Tokyo. Simple yet sophisticated, these skewers are a testament to the art of Japanese grilling.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 green onion (scallion)
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Neutral cooking oil for grilling
For the Yakitori Sauce (Tare)
- 80ml soy sauce
- 50ml mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, grated (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
US Measurements: 1.1 lbs chicken thighs, 1 green onion, 80ml soy sauce, 50ml mirin, 2 tablespoons sake, 2 tablespoons brown sugar Metric Measurements: 500g chicken thighs, 1 green onion, 80ml soy sauce, 50ml mirin, 30ml sake, 30g brown sugar
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Yakitori Sauce (Tare)
- In a small saucepan, combine:
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Sake
- Brown sugar
- Grated garlic
- Grated ginger
- Bring to a boil
- Reduce heat
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes
- Sauce will thicken and become syrupy
- Set aside (reserve some for final glaze)
2. Prepare the Skewers
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes (prevents burning)
- Cut chicken thighs into 3cm pieces
- Chop green onion into 3-4cm pieces
- Assemble skewers by alternating:
- Piece of chicken
- Piece of green onion
- Repeat until skewer is full
3. Cooking the Skewers
- Heat grill pan or griddle
- Lightly oil cooking surface
- Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side
- Brush repeatedly with Tare sauce
- Cook until golden brown and caramelized
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 74°C/165°F)
Cooking Details
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Servings: 4 (8 skewers)
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- High-quality protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Good source of essential nutrients
Why Yakitori is a Culinary Masterpiece
Yakitori represents more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of Japanese culinary philosophy. Chicken thighs provide rich flavor and tender texture, while the Tare sauce showcases the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. This dish demonstrates the Japanese approach to cooking: simplicity, precision, and respect for ingredients.
Pro Tips
- Use chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness
- Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning
- Keep a close eye while grilling to prevent charring
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice
- Pair with pickled vegetables
- Garnish with extra green onions
- Enjoy with a cold Japanese beer or sake
Variations
- Replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian option
- Add shichimi togarashi for extra spice
- Use different proteins like salmon or beef
Itadakimasu! (Enjoy your meal!)