Perfect Yakitori: Easy Guide to Grilled Japanese Skewers

Yakitori, a beloved Japanese dish, features skewered chicken grilled over charcoal and seasoned with either salt or a savory sauce. These skewers are perfect for a casual meal or as an appetizer at gatherings. Follow this simple guide to make delicious yakitori right at home.

Ingredients

• For the Yakitori Skewers:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, cut into chunks (optional)

  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, whole or halved (optional)

• For the Tare Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)

  • 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)

• For Grilling:

  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning

  • Vegetable oil for brushing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cut the Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the vegetables (green onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms) by cutting them into appropriate sizes for skewering.

2. Soak Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2: Make the Tare Sauce

3. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. If using garlic and ginger, add them to the saucepan as well.

4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

5. Skewer the Ingredients: Thread the chicken pieces and vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables as desired.

6. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the skewers with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and to help with browning.

Step 4: Grill the Yakitori

7. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and glowing.

8. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Brush the skewers with the tare sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor.

Step 5: Serve the Yakitori

9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with any remaining tare sauce. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips for Perfect Yakitori

• Use High Heat: Grilling over high heat helps achieve a nice char and crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

• Baste with Sauce: Brushing the skewers with tare sauce towards the end of grilling enhances the flavor and creates a glossy finish.

• Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins like beef or pork for variety.

Variations to Try

• Different Sauces: Try different marinades or sauces, such as shio (salt) seasoning or spicy sauces, for varied flavors.

• Vegetarian Options: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a variety of vegetables for a vegetarian version of yakitori.

Conclusion

Yakitori is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the essence of Japanese grilling into your kitchen. With this easy guide, you can create perfectly grilled skewers that are full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the savory delight of homemade yakitori.