Delicious Yakitori: A Classic Japanese Chicken Skewers Recipe
Juicy, charred chicken lacquered with a savory-sweet sauce—this yakitori delivers big flavor with minimal effort, whether you grill it or slide it under the broiler.
Introduction to Yakitori
Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish composed of bite-size pieces of chicken skewered and cooked over high heat. You’ll often find it at local yakitori shops, yatai (street food stalls), or izakayas (Japanese pubs). The chicken remains juicy, the edges lightly charred, and everything is brushed with tare, a simple glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
While yakitori is traditionally grilled over charcoal, it is also easy to prepare at home with a broiler or regular grill. This recipe features chicken thighs and scallions, basted with a rich homemade tare that is both savory and slightly sweet. Yakitori is best enjoyed fresh off the skewers, either as an appetizer or served with rice and vegetables for a hearty main dish.
What You’ll Need To Make Yakitori
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | Juicy and tender, ideal for grilling. |
| Scallions | Add sweetness and caramelization. |
| Soy sauce | The essential salty component of the tare. |
| Mirin & Sake | Japanese rice wines that enhance depth and balance. |
| Brown sugar | Helps caramelize the sauce. |
| Ginger and garlic | Add depth and aroma. |
| Cornstarch | Thickens the sauce for a perfect glaze. |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | For a finishing touch and nuttiness. |
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tare Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine:
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Sake
- Brown sugar
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Dark green scallions
Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove the ginger, garlic, and scallions, then stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook 1 to 2 more minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the chicken and light green scallion sections onto the skewers, alternating between them. Pro Tip: You can cook the chicken whole without skewering to save time.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers
For Broiling: Line a pan with foil and place the skewers. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 5 minutes on each side. Brush with sauce and broil until caramelized (1-2 minutes).
For Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill each side for 4-5 minutes and baste with sauce until cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the skewers to a platter, drizzle with extra tare, and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using. Serve immediately with remaining sauce for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Yakitori?
Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish consisting of skewered and grilled chicken, typically brushed with a sweet soy sauce glaze.
Can I make Yakitori in the oven?
Yes! You can easily make yakitori in your oven using the broiler setting.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Chicken thighs work best for yakitori due to their juiciness and flavor. However, you may use chicken breasts if preferred.
What can I serve with Yakitori?
Yakitori pairs well with rice and simple vegetables, making for a complete meal!