Chicken Yakitori Ultimate Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Grill!
Fancy a taste of the East, but don't want to spend a fortune on a plane ticket? If you're on the hunt for delicious and approachable japanese food recipes , you've come to the right place.
We are diving headfirst into the world of yakitori recipe , because who doesn't love japanese chicken skewers ?
Why You'll Love This Yakitori Recipe
This authentic yakitori recipe isn't just another asian dishes recipe; it’s a passport to flavour! Forget boring chicken. We're talking juicy chicken thighs, glazed in a sweet and savoury tare sauce recipe that'll make your taste buds sing.
The balance between the sweet glaze and the savory chicken is truly something else.
A Taste of Japan at Home
Yakitori, meaning "grilled bird", is super popular street food in Japan. This recipe makes it surprisingly easy to recreate that experience right in your kitchen.
It’s a medium difficulty recipe, taking about an hour from start to finish, including marinating time. This recipe will give you about 4 servings, or around 5-6 skewers each.
Perfect for sharing, or not!
The Goodness Inside (and Out!)
Chicken provides a great source of protein, which is always a win. These easy japanese recipes are perfect for a summer barbecue, a casual lunch recipes , or even a fancy dinner party.
What makes this yakitori so special? It's the combination of simple ingredients and techniques that deliver a complex and deeply satisfying flavour.
Let's Talk Yakitori: Ingredients & Equipment
Fancy whipping up some Authentic yakitori recipe at home? Forget ordering in! Let's get into what you'll need. Honestly, this Japanese food recipes is way easier than you think! Plus, homemade always tastes better, innit?
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Right, first things first, the bits and bobs. We are doing Japanese chicken skewers ! And don't worry about getting fancy, the quantities are simple.
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Look for plump, pink chicken. No weird smells! Fresh is best, obviously. This is KEY for yummy Asian Dishes .
- Sake: 1 tbsp (15ml) This adds a subtle sweetness. Get the good stuff if you can.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) We're talkin' proper Japanese soy sauce here, not the cheap stuff.
- Ginger: 1 tsp (5ml) grated. Adds a bit of zing. Fresh ginger root is best, not the powdered stuff.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Fresh is always best.
- Green Onion: 1, finely chopped.
Now, for the magic sauce that makes this proper Japanese Cooking !
- Soy Sauce: ½ cup (120ml)
- Mirin: ½ cup (120ml) This is a must . Sweet rice wine, essential for yakitori!
- Sake: ¼ cup (60ml)
- Sugar: 2 tbsp (30g)
- Honey: 1 tbsp (15ml) Optional, but gives it a lovely shine.
Finally, grab yourself 16-20 bamboo skewers. Soak 'em in water for at least 30 minutes , otherwise they'll go up in flames on the grill!
Seasoning: Spice It Up the Japanese Way
This Tare sauce recipe is what separates the good yakitori from the amazing yakitori. The soy sauce and mirin create the base.
Sugar brings sweetness, and sake adds depth. Honestly, this Light Recipes is a winner.
If you want a little kick, chuck in a pinch of chilli flakes. For a more intense flavour, add some grated garlic.
No mirin? A dash of sherry and a tiny bit of sugar will do in a pinch! And for a spicy yakitori you can add a pinch of chili flakes.
Equipment: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets to make Easy Japanese Recipes ! For Japanese grill recipes , here's what you need:
- Bamboo Skewers: Obvious, right?
- Grill: Gas, charcoal, even an indoor grill pan works. I love the smokiness from a charcoal grill, proper barbecue vibes!
- Small Saucepan: For the all-important sauce.
- Mixing Bowls: Gotta mix those ingredients somehow!
If you don't have a grill, you can even use a frying pan! Just make sure it's nice and hot.
So, are you ready to enjoy some perfect Lunch Recipes ? The Yakitori recipe is waiting for you!
Chicken Yakitori: Your Ultimate Guide to Japanese Grill Recipes
Fancy a bit of japanese food recipes that's dead easy but tastes like you've slaved over it for hours? Then Easy Japanese Recipes of Yakitori is your shout.
Chicken Yakitori, those amazing Japanese chicken skewers, are so addictive. I’m talking serious, can’t-stop-at-one addiction. Seriously, these are the Light Recipes that are also amazing to have!
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First, let's talk mise en place , which basically means "everything in its place." Chop your 1.5 lbs chicken thighs into one-inch cubes.
Get your 16-20 bamboo skewers soaking. Honestly, I've skipped the soaking before and ended up with flaming skewers. Lesson learned! Mix 1 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp ginger, minced garlic, and the white parts of your green onion in a bowl.
Ready? Let's get Japanese Cooking started!
step-by-step: Your Yakitori Recipe Adventure
- Marinate: Pop the chicken in the sake mixture. Let it sit for at least 30 mins, but longer is better.
- Sauce Up: In a saucepan, mix ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup mirin, ¼ cup sake, and 2 tbsp sugar. Simmer until slightly thick.
- Skewers At The Ready: Thread the chicken onto skewers. Leave space between each piece.
- Grill Time: Preheat your grill (Gas, charcoal, or even indoor grill pan). Make sure is hot before you put it.
- First Grill: Grill for 3- 4 minutes per side, until browned.
- Glaze and Grill (Again!): Brush with the Tare sauce recipe . Grill for 2- 3 minutes per side, basting often. Cook to 165° F/ 74° C internal temperature. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
- Final Glaze: Remove and brush one last time with that magical tare.
- Serve Immediatelly: Garnish with the green bits of the spring onion!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Authentic yakitori recipe Game
Want restaurant quality yakitori recipe ? Here's the inside scoop. Always, always, always soak your skewers! Soggy skewers will last longer on a hot grill.
Basting is your best mate. The more you baste with that Tare sauce recipe , the more flavour you'll build.
Do not overcrowd the grill, or it will steam the chicken. Do this to avoid the bad flavors and to make the Asian Dishes shine.
Honestly, Lunch Recipes like these are great for a simple lunch!
Recipe Notes: Your Yakitori A-Game
Right then, let's talk about how to nail these japanese chicken skewers , shall we? Think of this section as your secret weapon.
These aren’t just any Asian Dishes . These are your Easy Japanese Recipes !
Level Up Your Serving Game
Presentation, innit? For plating, I reckon a simple bed of fluffy rice works wonders. Pop a few skewers on top, maybe a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Classy. For sides, edamame is always a winner. A cold Japanese beer, like Asahi, is the perfect match for this yakitori recipe .
This is light recipes material.
Storing: Keep it Fresh, Bruv
Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigerate those Japanese grill recipes within two hours, yeah? They'll keep for up to three days.
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about ten minutes. Careful not to dry them out, though! I haven’t tried freezing these personally, but Authentic yakitori recipe like these are often best fresh.
If you insist, use a freezer bag.
Mix It Up, Mate!
Fancy a twist? For a veggie option, use firm tofu instead of chicken. Marinate it the same way. Boom, Vegetarian Yakitori .
Need a gluten-free version? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Bob's your uncle! This is suitable for lunch recipes , and it's quick to make, perfect for a light meal!
Health Boost: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, let's keep it real: these aren't health food, but they ain't bad either! Chicken's packed with protein, which is great for muscles.
The tare sauce recipe , while delicious, does have sugar, so watch the portion sizes, yeah? This japanese food recipes has a nice balance of savory and sweet.
Honestly, don't be intimidated by Japanese Cooking . With a bit of practice, you'll be churning out top-notch yakitori skewers in no time! Get in there and give it a go, you might surprise yourself! Enjoy your own easy japanese recipes journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe easy enough for a beginner, or is it more for seasoned chefs?
While the recipe is approachable, it falls into the "medium" difficulty category. Think of it like baking a Victoria sponge the steps are simple, but getting that perfect texture and flavour balance requires a little practice and attention to detail. Don't be intimidated, though!
Even if you’re just starting with japanese food recipes, following the instructions carefully will lead to delicious results. Just remember to baste, baste, baste!
Can I make the yakitori sauce (tare) ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the yakitori sauce in advance is a great time saver. You can prepare the sauce up to 3-4 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using to ensure everything is nicely combined.
It's like having your secret weapon ready for a mid-week treat!
What if I don't have all the ingredients for the yakitori sauce? Any substitutions I can use?
No worries, a bit of improvisation is perfectly acceptable! If you don't have mirin, a dry sherry or sweet white wine with a teaspoon of sugar works as a decent substitute. For sake, you can omit it entirely or use dry white wine or even chicken broth. Just like a "Bake Off" technical challenge, adapt and overcome!
How do I store leftover yakitori, and how long will it last?
Leftover yakitori can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it, as the chicken can dry out. A little drizzle of extra yakitori sauce during reheating helps keep it moist and tasty.
Are there any healthy twists I can make to these Japanese food recipes?
You can definitely make this dish healthier. Using skinless chicken breast instead of thighs will reduce the fat content. Consider using a low-sodium soy sauce to control the sodium levels and reducing the sugar in the yakitori sauce.
Serving with plenty of vegetables, like a side of edamame or a colourful salad, is also a great way to boost the nutritional value.
How do I prevent the bamboo skewers from burning on the grill?
Soaking the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) is essential! This saturates the wood, preventing it from catching fire on the grill. You can also wrap the exposed ends of the skewers in foil for extra protection if you're using a very hot grill.
It's all about being prepared, like a true grill master!
Chicken Yakitori Ultimate Japanese Grilled Chick
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
