Yakitori
Yakitori are Japanese grilled chicken skewers glazed in a sweet-savory tare sauce. Charred over high heat, the chicken turns caramelized and juicy with sticky, glossy glaze. They are a beloved izakaya snack that is easy to make at home.
- ⏱ 30 min
- 📊 easy
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 700 g chicken thighs, cubed
- 4 green onions, cut in pieces
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- as needed skewers
Instructions
- Simmer the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar into a slightly thickened tare sauce.
- Thread the chicken and green onion pieces alternately onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill the skewers for 4 minutes, then start basting with the tare.
- Continue grilling and basting for 6 to 8 minutes until charred and glazed.
- Brush with a final coat of tare and serve.
💡 Chef's tip
Thread the chicken and green onion tightly on the skewers so the pieces cook evenly and stay juicy over the fire.
Basting the skewers with the tare sauce repeatedly during grilling builds up layers of caramelized glaze, which is what gives yakitori its signature sticky, lacquered finish.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 14 g
