Yakitori

JAPANESE · APPETIZER/MAIN COURSE · SERVES 4

Yakitori is a beloved Japanese dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its smoky, savory flavor. This dish features succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a rich, umami-packed sauce, then grilled to perfection on bamboo skewers. It's a popular street food found in izakayas across Japan, where locals gather to enjoy delicious bites paired with cold drinks. With its irresistible aroma and delightful texture, yakitori is perfect as an appetizer or served alongside steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Now on iPhone and iPad

Cook with the Teresa's Recipes app, including a magazine-style iPad layout and guided Cook Mode.

Download on the App Store

Ingredients

Original recipe serves 4

Bamboo skewers
8-10, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon, toasted
Green onions
2, chopped
Sugar
2 tablespoons
Sake
1/4 cup
Mirin
1/4 cup
Soy sauce
1/4 cup
Chicken thighs
1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
  3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
  5. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  6. While grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
  7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch and freshness.
  8. Serve hot as an appetizer or alongside steamed rice for a delightful main course.

Tips

  • 💡 For a variation, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the skewers for a colorful and nutritious twist.
  • 💡 If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • 💡 For a more authentic experience, serve with a side of pickled vegetables.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 Dish Type: Appetizer/Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook Time: 10 minutes Calories: 280 Fat: 12g Carbs: 8g Protein: 30g Sodium: 700mg Sugar: 4g

Loading side dishes...

Finding side dishes...

Loading wine pairings...

Selecting wines...

Reviews

Share Your Experience

0/1000 characters

Your Review

Want to share your experience with this recipe?

Sign in to Leave a Review

Community Reviews

Loading reviews...

Loading community reviews...

Teresa's Recipes

Yakitori

Yakitori is a beloved Japanese dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its smoky, savory flavor. This dish features succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a rich, umami-packed sauce, then grilled to perfection on bamboo skewers. It's a popular street food found in izakayas across Japan, where locals gather to enjoy delicious bites paired with cold drinks. With its irresistible aroma and delightful texture, yakitori is perfect as an appetizer or served alongside steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Serves 4 Prep 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook 10 minutes Level easy Cuisine japanese Appetizer/Main Course

Ingredients

  • 8-10, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers
  • 1 tablespoon, toasted Sesame seeds
  • 2, chopped Green onions
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Sake
  • 1/4 cup Mirin
  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce
  • 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces Chicken thighs

Dietary Notes

  • Servings: 4
  • Dish Type: Appetizer/Main Course
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Sugar: 4g

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
  3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
  5. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  6. While grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
  7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch and freshness.
  8. Serve hot as an appetizer or alongside steamed rice for a delightful main course.

Tips

  • For a variation, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the skewers for a colorful and nutritious twist.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • For a more authentic experience, serve with a side of pickled vegetables.
Keep scrolling for the next recipe in your feed
Loading next...
Loading...