Teresa's Recipes
Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)
Tsukune, a beloved street food from Japan, consists of tender chicken meatballs that are infused with umami-rich flavors and grilled to perfection. Glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, these delightful skewers are often enjoyed at izakayas and festivals, making them a favorite for gatherings and celebrations. Each bite delivers a burst of juicy goodness, enhanced by the aromatic notes of ginger and garlic, paired with the freshness of green onions. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a lively barbecue, Tsukune is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground chicken
- 1/3 cup, finely chopped Green onions
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon, grated Ginger
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sake
- 2 tablespoons Mirin
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (for glaze) Sugar
- 8, soaked in water if wooden Skewers
- for garnish Sesame seeds
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer/Main
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sake, mirin, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball, about the size of a golf ball.
- Thread each meatball onto a skewer, gently pressing to ensure they stay on the skewer.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the tsukune for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned on all sides.
- While the tsukune is grilling, prepare the glaze by combining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the tsukune are cooked, brush the glaze onto the skewers, turning them to coat evenly.
- Grill for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the glaze caramelizes and forms a shiny coating.
- Serve the tsukune hot, garnished with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different ground meats, such as turkey or pork, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Tsukune can be served with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.