Yakitori Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
333 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Asian
Yakitori Recipe
Description
The Yakitori Recipe centers on chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned, and threaded on soaked skewers to prevent burning during grilling. The sauce combines soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar, boiled to dissolve sugar and thicken with cornstarch into a glossy glaze. The chicken cooks over medium heat, brushed repeatedly with the sauce in stages to build layers of flavor and caramelization. A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds texture and freshness.
This preparation results in juicy, tender chicken with a balanced sweet and savory flavor profile typical of classic Japanese yakitori. The glaze provides a rich, sticky coating while the sesame seeds contribute a nutty note. Cooking on skewers allows even heat exposure, and the frequent saucing keeps the chicken moist.
Yakitori is often served as a snack or appetizer and pairs well with steamed rice or simple vegetable sides. It works well for grilling outdoors or skillet preparation indoors, making it versatile for different cooking environments.
Soaking wooden skewers prevents charring during grilling. The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for longer storage, allowing for convenient meal prep. Using chicken thighs helps avoid dryness, but chicken breasts or pork cubes can be substituted if preferred.
Ingredients
For the skewers
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon green onions sliced
For the sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil toasted
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch 1 teaspoon
Instructions
For the sauce
- Place the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, sesame oil and rice vinegar in a small pot over medium high heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Turn up the heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until dissolved. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and boil for 1-2 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
For the chicken
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers that have been soaked in cold water. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, then brush the vegetable oil over the skewers.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4 minutes per side. Brush the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes per side.
- Brush more sauce over the chicken, then cook for another minute per side.
- Brush a final layer of sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for moister, more flavorful results; chicken breasts or pork can be alternatives.
- Soak wood skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- The sauce can be prepared up to five days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 333 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 333kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 139mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 725mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 340mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 126IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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