Description
Enjoy the flavors of Japan with this delicious Yakitori recipe featuring grilled chicken skewers coated in a sweet and savory marinade.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 pieces boneless chicken thighs or 5–6 pieces boneless chicken breast
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp red wine or mirin
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp distilled vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 6–7 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10–20 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim excess fat and cut into 1.5-inch chunks.
- Make the marinade: Combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, pepper, and vinegar in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken: Add chicken to the marinade and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Preheat the grill: Heat to about 400°F (200°C), or use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Grill the skewers: Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with remaining marinade.
- Make the glaze: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into leftover marinade. Heat until it thickens.
- Finish and serve: Remove skewers, drizzle with glaze and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
For a different twist, try adding vegetables or using different marinades for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: yakitori, chicken skewers, Japanese recipe, grilling, summer barbecue