Classic Japanese Yakitori Skewers Recipe
Yakitori is a classic Japanese grilled chicken skewer recipe that features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for grilling enthusiasts and offers a delicious taste of authentic Japanese street food.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pour half of the cooled sauce over them. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the yakitori: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-4 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. While grilling, baste the chicken frequently with the reserved sauce to enhance flavor and keep it moist.
- Serve: Once cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breast for a leaner option or thigh meat for a juicier, more flavorful yakitori.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Serve yakitori as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside steamed rice and pickled vegetables.
Keywords: Yakitori, Japanese grilled chicken, chicken skewers, Japanese street food, grilling recipe, soy sauce marinade
