AppetizerMain Course

Yakitori

Name: Yakitori
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: japanese
Ingredients: 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thigh cut into 2.5cm pieces; 60 ml soy sauce; 60 ml mirin; 30 ml sake; 15 g sugar; 2 pcs green onion chopped, for garnish (optional)

This classic Japanese grilled chicken skewer recipe features bite-sized pieces of chicken glazed with a savory-sweet tare sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, these skewers are traditionally cooked over a charcoal grill for a smoky flavor. The simple preparation allows the quality of the chicken to shine.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 334 kcal

Allergen information: may contain gluten, soy, and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

500 gboneless, skinless chicken thigh, cut into 2.5cm pieces

tare sauce

60 mlsoy sauce
60 mlmirin
30 mlsake
15 gsugar

garnish

2 pcsgreen onion, chopped, for garnish(optional)

Equipment

grill · bamboo skewers · small saucepan · basting brush

The method

Step by step

1
If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2
Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, about 3-4 pieces per skewer, ensuring they are not too tightly packed.
About 5 min
3
Prepare the tare sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
About 2 min
4
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens to a syrupy consistency.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to reduce it too much, as it will thicken further upon cooling.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, aim for medium-hot coals.
About 5 min
6
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
About 12 min
7
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the tare sauce on all sides. Continue to turn and brush until the sauce is caramelized and glossy.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the sauce due to the sugar content.
8
Remove the yakitori from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onion if desired.
About 1 min

Per serving

Nutrition

57%Score

Calories: 334.3kcal
Protein: 33.7g
Carbs: 12.5g
Fat: 13.8g
Fibre: 0.5g
Sugar: 10g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover yakitori in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or a pan until warmed through.