Description
Japanese Chicken Yakitori features tender, juicy pieces of chicken marinated in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce with garlic and ginger, skewered and grilled to perfection. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a casual meal or entertaining, capturing the authentic taste of traditional Japanese street food.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 5–6 pieces boneless chicken breast or 6–8 pieces boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1–2 inch chunks
- 6–7 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10–20 minutes)
Marinade & Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- Water (amount to combine with soy sauce and vinegar for marinade)
- Red apple vinegar or mirin (amount combined with soy sauce and water for marinade)
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Make Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red apple vinegar or mirin, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a bowl. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, ground pepper, and some of the marinade mixture. Toss to coat well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly to use as a glaze and baste.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto the soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Frequently baste the chicken with the thickened sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish. Cook until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on edges.
Notes
- Soaking skewers is essential to prevent burning during grilling.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness compared to breast.
- You can substitute red apple vinegar with mirin for a sweeter traditional taste.
- Adjust sugar quantity to your taste preference for sweetness balance.
- Ensure the sauce is adequately thickened for a sticky glaze effect.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
