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Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe

Irresistible Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe for Home Chefs

This Japanese Chicken Yakitori recipe is a delight, featuring easy-to-make sweet and savory grilled chicken skewers, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 239
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs) Substitution: Firm tofu or assorted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
For the Marinade
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh or powdered garlic based on availability.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Substitution: Ground ginger powder can be used in lesser amounts.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Substitution: Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin Substitution: A splash of white wine mixed with sugar as a mirin alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar No direct substitution; consider alternative sweeteners if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Substitution: Distilled vinegar can be used if rice vinegar is unavailable.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch No substitution needed; it's necessary for the desired sauce consistency.
For Skewering
  • 4 pieces Wooden Skewers Soak in water for 10-20 minutes prior to using to prevent burning.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Wooden Skewers

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 10-20 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Trim the boneless chicken into 1-2 inch pieces.
  4. Mix minced garlic and ginger with a quarter cup of the yakitori sauce and marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Simmer leftover yakitori sauce in a saucepan, mixing cornstarch with water to thicken for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Thread marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers and preheat the grill.
  7. Grill the skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the yakitori sauce.
  8. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes, then serve with rice or pickled vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 27gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 4gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This recipe allows for customization with different proteins or vegetables. Perfect for outdoor gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.

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