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Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Savor the Flavor: Japanese Chicken Yakitori Made Easy

Japanese Chicken Yakitori delivers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a must-try dish for all.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs) Substitute with firm tofu or colorful vegetables for vegetarian options.
  • 6-8 pieces Wooden Skewers Soak them in water before use to prevent burning.
For the Marinade
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is ideal for the best taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Fresh or powdered ginger work equally well.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Opt for tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free preparations.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin If unavailable, substitute with white wine and a touch of sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar No direct substitutions are suggested.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Distilled vinegar can work as an alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch No substitutions needed here.

Equipment

  • grill
  • mixing bowl
  • saucepan
  • Wooden Skewers

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Soak the Skewers: Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes.
  2. Make the Yakitori Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Prep the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken and cut into 1–2 inch pieces, then pound lightly to tenderize.
  4. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix minced garlic, ginger, pepper, and 1/4 cup of the yakitori sauce. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the remaining yakitori sauce into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix cornstarch with a little sauce to create a slurry, stir back in.
  6. Grill Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 8–12 minutes, basting frequently with thickened sauce.
  7. Optional: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 250mgSugar: 5gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use high-quality chicken and fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Marinating longer enhances taste. Maintain medium-high heat for optimal grilling.

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