How to Cook Traditional Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Chicken yakitori, a popular Japanese dish, showcases the delightful flavors of grilled chicken skewers. This savory delicacy is a staple at izakayas and street festivals in Japan. With its simple preparation and rich taste, you can easily prepare traditional chicken yakitori at home. Follow this guide to master the art of cooking this beloved dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Yakitori

To make authentic chicken yakitori, gather the following ingredients:

  • 500g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • For the tare sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sake
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm in size. This gives them an even cooking time and makes them easy to eat. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Making the Tare Sauce

The tare sauce is a sweet and savory glaze that elevates the flavor of yakitori. To prepare the tare sauce:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Skewers

Once you have prepared the chicken and tare sauce, it’s time to assemble the skewers:

  1. Take a skewer and thread pieces of chicken, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
  2. Repeat until all the chicken pieces are skewered.
  3. Lightly brush the skewers with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.

Grilling the Yakitori

You can use a grill, grill pan, or even an open flame to cook the yakitori. Here’s how to grill them perfectly:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. During the last minute of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the tare sauce.
  4. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, remove the yakitori from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Serve hot, drizzled with additional tare sauce if desired. They are delicious on their own or paired with steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad. For an authentic touch, serve your yakitori with a side of Japanese beer or sake.

Tips for Perfect Yakitori

To further enhance your yakitori experience, consider these tips:

  • Experiment with different cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast or wings, for varied flavors and textures.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, bellies, or shiitake mushrooms to the skewers for a more colorful dish.
  • Keep an eye on the grill to avoid overcooking; yakitori should be juicy and tender.

With this recipe, you can capture the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine right in your home. Enjoy cooking and savor every delicious bite of your homemade chicken yakitori!