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Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe

Irresistible Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe for Home Cooks

Enjoy a delicious Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe that combines smoky flavors with a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or summer barbecues.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marination Time 10 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 lb Boneless Chicken (breast/thighs) Can swap with firm tofu or mixed veggies for vegetarian option.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is best!
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Fresh preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Can replace with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin Substitute with white wine mixed with sugar.
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Essential for rich glaze!
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Distilled vinegar can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch No substitutes needed.
For Grilling
  • 8 pieces Wooden Skewers Soak in water to prevent burning.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • small saucepan
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Wooden Skewers

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Trim excess fat from chicken and cut into 1–2 inch chunks.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix minced garlic, grated ginger, and pepper with 1/4 cup yakitori sauce. Toss in chicken chunks.
  5. Pour remaining yakitori sauce into a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Mix cornstarch with cold sauce to create a slurry, then stir it into boiling sauce and cook until thickened.
  6. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers, preheat grill to medium-high heat, and grill for 8–12 minutes, basting occasionally with thickened sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible. Maintaining medium-high grill temperature is crucial for perfect char.

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