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Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Grill Up Joy with Homemade Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Experience the delightful flavors of Japanese Chicken Yakitori, a dish combining tender grilled chicken skewers with a sweet-savory glaze that pleases any crowd.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Skewers
  • 1 pound boneless chicken (breast or thighs) can substitute with firm tofu or colorful veggies
  • 8 pieces wooden skewers soak in water to prevent burning
For the Marinade & Sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or Tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/4 cup red wine or mirin for sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or distilled vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening

Equipment

  • grill
  • Medium saucepan
  • shallow dish
  • Meat mallet
  • Basting Brush

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 10-20 minutes.
  2. Combine soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until brown sugar dissolves.
  3. Trim excess fat from chicken and cut into 1-2 inch chunks, lightly pound if desired.
  4. Marinate chicken pieces with minced garlic, grated ginger, and reserved yakitori sauce for at least 10-30 minutes.
  5. Simmer remaining yakitori sauce and whisk in cornstarch slurry until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers, ensuring pieces aren't overcrowded.
  7. Grill skewers on medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes, basting with sauce regularly.
  8. Serve hot with remaining sauce, steamed rice, and pickled vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and marinate the chicken for longer for more intense flavor. Regular basting keeps the skewers moist.

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