Print

Yakitori

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Yakitori is a classic Japanese grilled chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces glazed with a sweet and savory soy-based tare sauce. Skewered with scallions and finished with sesame seeds, it makes a flavorful meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sake
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (packed) light brown sugar
  • 1-in piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 bunch scallions, cut into 1-in (2.5-cm) pieces, light and dark green parts separated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch combined with 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in (2.5-cm) pieces
  • 8 to 10 metal or bamboo skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
  • Sesame seeds, optional for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the tare sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and dark green scallions in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove and discard the ginger, garlic, and scallions using a slotted spoon. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Reserve 1 cup of sauce for serving and set the remaining sauce aside for basting.
  3. Thread chicken pieces and light green scallion sections onto skewers, alternating chicken and scallion pieces.
  4. To broil, line a baking sheet with foil and arrange skewers in a single layer. Broil 4 to 6 inches from the heat source for 5 minutes per side, then brush with sauce and continue broiling 1 to 2 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
  5. To grill, preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill skewers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then baste with sauce and continue cooking for a few minutes until glazed and cooked through.
  6. Transfer skewers to a platter, drizzle with reserved serving sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Toast sesame seeds before serving for extra nutty flavor.
  • If repurposing basting sauce as serving sauce, bring it to a full boil for 1 minute first.
  • Bamboo skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/yakitori/