Introduction:
Yakitori is a beloved Japanese street food consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken, grilled to perfection on bamboo skewers. This dish is known for its simplicity and rich flavor, achieved by basting the chicken in "tare," a soy-based sauce that is both savory and sweet. Traditionally grilled over charcoal, Yakitori offers a delicious char and smoky flavor, making it a favorite in izakayas and at home alike.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12-16 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 2 green onions (cut into 1-inch pieces, optional for skewering)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for basting)
- Pinch of togarashi (Japanese chili powder, optional for seasoning)
Instructions:
- Prepare the tare sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the chicken and skewers:
- While the tare sauce cools, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Thread the chicken onto the soaked bamboo skewers, alternating with green onion pieces if desired. Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
- Grill the yakitori:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, aim for direct heat to mimic traditional yakitori grilling. Lightly brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally to cook evenly on all sides. Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes, brushing it with the tare sauce during the final 5 minutes of cooking. The chicken should be lightly charred and cooked through.
- Serve immediately:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with a final layer of tare sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or togarashi for an extra kick of flavor. Serve hot.
Health Notes:
- Yakitori is a high-protein dish that's relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option when grilled without too much added oil. However, it can be high in sodium due to the soy-based tare sauce, so those watching their sodium intake may want to moderate the amount of sauce used.
Serving Suggestions:
- Yakitori is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables or miso soup. Pair it with a cold beer or sake for a more authentic Japanese dining experience.
Tips:
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- For authentic grilling, use a charcoal grill to achieve a smoky flavor that complements the tare sauce.
- Double-layer grilling: Grill the skewers once without sauce, then baste and grill them again to build a deeper flavor and caramelization.
