Description
Japanese Chicken Yakitori is a traditional and flavorful grilled chicken skewers recipe, typically made with tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs alternated with green onions and brushed with a savory-sweet tare sauce made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. This quick and easy dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course, offering a delicious taste of authentic Japanese street food.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Skewers
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thigh meat (boneless and skinless), cut into 1″ cubes
- 2 cups green onions, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 tablespoon salt (optional, for seasoning)
- bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes) or metal skewers
Tare Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup sake
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers can be used but handle with care when hot.
- Cut and Assemble: Cut the chicken into 1″ cubes. Thread each skewer with alternating pieces of chicken and two pieces of green onion, leaving at least 2″ of space on each end of the skewer for handling.
- Preheat Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and preheat the grill to 400°F (204°C).
- Seasoning: If using the salt-only method, sprinkle sea salt evenly on both sides of the skewered chicken before grilling.
- Prepare Tare Sauce: Combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, brown sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer gently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens. Set aside and keep warm.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Apply Tare Sauce (if using): When the chicken is about 75% cooked, baste it generously with the tare sauce. Flip the skewers and baste the other side. Repeat this basting and flipping once more to build flavor and caramelization.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the skewers from the grill when the chicken is fully cooked and the tare sauce has caramelized on the surface (approximately 7 to 10 minutes total).
Notes
- Chicken Yakitori with scallions (Negima) is a popular Japanese street food and a flavorful appetizer.
- Soaking bamboo skewers helps prevent burning while grilling.
- You can use just salt for seasoning or the traditional tare sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor.
- Use a moderate heat grilled at 400°F to get nice caramelization without burning the chicken.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through completely, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 2501 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 108 mg
