Yakitori
Juicy grilled chicken skewers with savory soy-mirin glaze, complemented by mushrooms and green onions, perfect for barbecues and gatherings needing bold, smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- Combine shoyu, Mirin, sugar, and chicken bones in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Simmer uncovered until the mixture is reduced by 1/4, then cool.
- Dip chicken cubes in the sauce.
- Thread chicken, mushrooms, and green onions onto skewers.
- Dip skewers in the sauce again and grill on a barbecue until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken cubes in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before grilling. If you can't find shoyu, soy sauce is a suitable substitute, while sake can replace mirin if necessary. Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for variety. If you enjoy different flavors, check out Chicken Wings Oriental for more inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Yakitori is best served immediately after grilling, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped scallions. Pair it with a refreshing side salad or steamed rice to balance the flavors. It also goes well with a dipping sauce on the side. For more delightful recipes, browse more chicken recipes that can complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover yakitori in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a grill or in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring they do not dry out. For best results, consider reheating in the oven if you have a large batch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yakitori contains roughly 372 calories, with 25g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (394% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats for yakitori?
Yes, while chicken is traditional, you can use pork, beef, or tofu as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through. Experimenting with different meats can yield delicious results, so feel free to explore.
What type of skewers should I use?
For yakitori, bamboo skewers are commonly used, but make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Metal skewers are also an option and eliminate the need for soaking. Choose based on your preference and availability.
How can I make yakitori sauce thicker?
To thicken the yakitori sauce, simmer it longer to reduce it to your desired consistency. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while cooking. This will create a glaze-like texture that adheres beautifully to the grilled skewers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).