Poultry Dishes Perfect for a Japanese Summer Barbecue

Summer in Japan is the ideal time for outdoor gatherings, and nothing enhances a warm evening quite like a Japanese barbecue, or "yakiniku." When it comes to poultry, there are numerous delicious dishes that you can prepare to impress your friends and family. Below are some mouth-watering poultry dishes perfect for a Japanese summer barbecue.

1. Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

Yakitori is a classic dish that features small pieces of chicken grilled on skewers. It is marinated in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. You can use various parts of the chicken, such as thighs, breasts, or even liver.
Perfectly charred and slightly smoky, these skewers are best enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt or drizzled with tare sauce.

2. Miso Chicken Thighs

Marinating chicken thighs in a mixture of miso paste, sake, and ginger results in incredibly flavorful meat. The natural richness of the chicken combines beautifully with the umami notes of miso.
Grill these thighs until they are beautifully caramelized, and serve them alongside grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.

3. Chicken Wing Teriyaki

Juicy chicken wings glazed with teriyaki sauce are a must-try at any summer barbecue. To prepare, marinate the wings in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger before grilling.
The result is tantalizingly sweet and savory wings that are sure to be a hit among your guests.

4. Spicy Ginger Chicken Skewers

For those who crave a bit of heat, spicy ginger chicken skewers are an excellent choice. Begin by marinating chicken pieces in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a touch of chili paste.
Grill until cooked through and serve with a side of cooling dipping sauce made from yogurt and cucumber.

5. Chicken and Vegetable Yaki Udon

This stir-fried noodle dish is a fantastic way to incorporate poultry into your barbecue. Utilize previously grilled chicken pieces and mix them with chewy udon noodles and colorful vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Toss everything with a soy sauce-based dressing on the grill for a smoky, savory finish.

6. Chicken Katsu Sandwiches

For a fusion twist, consider incorporating chicken katsu into your barbecue menu. Breaded and fried chicken cutlets can be grilled to add a charred flavor, and then stuffed into soft Asian buns with cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.
These sandwiches are not only tasty but also easy to eat, making them a perfect BBQ finger food.

7. Shio Koji Chicken

Shio koji, a fermented rice seasoning, adds a unique flavor to grilled chicken. Marinate chicken pieces in shio koji overnight to tenderize the meat and enhance its natural flavors.
When grilled, the chicken develops a delightful crust while remaining juicy and flavorful.

With these delightful poultry dishes, your Japanese summer barbecue will be an event to remember. Each dish offers a unique twist on traditional Japanese flavors and is bound to satisfy your guests. Embrace the spirit of summer and enjoy the art of grilling!