Authentic Japanese Yakitori Recipe: How To Cook Delicious Chicken Skewers at Home

Ingredients

  • 800 grams of chicken thighs
  • 1 cup of soy sauce
  • 1 cup of mirin
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of sake
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), grated
  • 8 green onions, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Thread onto the soaked bamboo skewers, alternating with pieces of green onion.
  2. In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  3. Preheat a grill or broiler. Brush the skewers generously with the sauce.
  4. Grill or broil the skewers for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Brush with more sauce halfway through cooking.
  5. Serve the yakitori hot, with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for cutting the chicken thighs and preparing other ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes.
  • Bamboo skewers - Used to thread the chicken and green onion for grilling.
  • Saucepan - Required for making the yakitori sauce.
  • Grill or broiler - Used to cook the yakitori skewers.
  • Basting brush - Used to brush the sauce onto the skewers while grilling.

Recipe variations

  • Use different meats such as beef, pork, or seafood instead of chicken.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skewers.
  • Marinate the meat in different sauces or marinades for added flavor.
  • Try different dipping sauces such as teriyaki, spicy mayo, or peanut sauce.
  • Experiment with different seasonings or spices like chili powder, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs.
  • Make it vegetarian or vegan by using tofu, tempeh, or seitan instead of meat.
  • Grill the skewers with additional glazes like honey, hoisin sauce, or barbecue sauce.
  • Create a fusion twist by adding ingredients from other cuisines, like pineapple for a tropical flavor or curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist.
  • Make mini yakitori skewers as bite-sized appetizers or party snacks.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving for a citrusy kick.

Recipe overview

Discover the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine with this Yakitori recipe. Yakitori is a popular Japanese street food consisting of grilled chicken skewers. Featuring a delicious glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, garlic, and ginger, these skewers are grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy chicken with a slightly charred, sticky, and sweet finish. The process to make this recipe is simple and straight-forward, even for beginners. Once you have gathered your ingredients, it is just a matter of threading the chicken and green onion onto skewers, preparing the glaze, and grilling the skewers. Enjoy these savory skewers hot and don't forget to use the remaining sauce for extra flavor!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
    Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. However, chicken thighs are preferred for yakitori as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat?
    While yakitori traditionally uses chicken, you can also use other meats such as pork, beef, or even seafood like shrimp or scallops. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.
  3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before using and brush it on the skewers as directed in the recipe.
  4. What can I serve yakitori with?
    Yakitori is often served as a snack or appetizer. It pairs well with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a side salad. You can also enjoy it as part of a Japanese-style BBQ or alongside other grilled dishes.
  5. Can I cook yakitori in the oven instead of grilling or broiling?
    Yes, if you don't have access to a grill or broiler, you can cook yakitori in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Yakitori, quite literally meaning grilled chicken, is a term that broadly encompasses any skewered, grilled food in Japanese cuisine. This dish is a ubiquitous feature of Yakitori-ya, Japanese restaurants specializing in skewered foods, or it can be found sizzling on makeshift grills in the middle of lively street markets. The tradition of Yakitori dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), where it started as a quick, affordable street food for busy people on the go. The skewers were initially made from bamboo, a material that was easily accessible and added a layer of flavor to the dish. Interestingly, in many Yakitori-ya, nothing goes to waste. Beyond the popular chicken thigh Yakitori, restaurants often serve skewers featuring chicken skin, cartilage, heart, liver, and even tail, demonstrating a deep respect for the animal and traditional Japanese values of resourcefulness.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.