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Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Savory Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers You’ll Love

Japanese Chicken Yakitori is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken skewers with a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for gatherings and customizable for all preferences.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs) Or firm tofu or assorted vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
  • 8 pieces Wooden Skewers Soak in water before grilling.
For the Marinade/Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic works best.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Freshly grated.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin Substitute with white wine mixed with sugar if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar For acidity.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar To sweeten the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Japanese Chicken Yakitori
  1. Soak your wooden skewers in water for 10 to 20 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Trim the boneless chicken into 1 to 2-inch chunks, then add minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper to the marinade. Toss to coat.
  4. Heat the reserved yakitori sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until boiling, then thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C), then thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers.
  6. Grill the skewers for 8 to 12 minutes, basting with the thickened yakitori sauce.
  7. Remove from the grill and let rest before serving. Optionally serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Enjoy these skewers with steamed rice for a complete meal.

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