Chicken yakitori skewers are a delightful Japanese street food, offering a perfect blend of savory and smoky flavors. Tender pieces of marinated chicken, expertly grilled to perfection, are a satisfying treat anytime. The succulent chicken is punctuated by the subtle sweetness of the tare sauce, a rich and umami-packed glaze that elevates the dish to another level. This recipe uses a Mangal grill for an authentic smoky char, but you can easily adapt it to your preferred grilling method. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable and yields incredibly flavorful results.
Beyond the incredible taste, yakitori skewers are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different vegetables or even swap out the chicken for other proteins. Ready to experience the magic of homemade yakitori? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process that will have you enjoying these delicious skewers in no time.
Tools Needed
- Mangal grill
- Iron pan
- Kettle grill
- Skewers
Ingredients
- Chicken fillets
- Dark sesame oil
- Garlic: finely chopped
- Ginger: finely chopped
- Brown sugar
- Sake
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Yakitori Glaze and Marinate Chicken
- Prepare the grill with a direct and indirect zone. Place an iron pan in the indirect zone to warm up.
- Add a splash of dark sesame oil to the pan. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger.
- Add a generous portion of brown sugar and stir.
- Deglaze with a little sake to prevent burning.
- Stir and let it simmer for a minute or two.
- Add a good dash of soy sauce and mirin. Stir.
- Let the marinade reduce until thickened, checking and stirring every few minutes. Move the pan between direct and indirect heat as needed.
- Prepare the chicken fillets and thread them onto skewers.
- Marinate the skewers for about half an hour.
Step 2. Prepare the Mangal Grill
- Preheat the Mangal grill attachment on the kettle grill.
Step 3. Cook the Chicken Skewers
- Place the skewers on the Mangal grill and let them rotate until cooked (approximately 7-8 minutes).
Step 4. Serve
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Don't panic if the ingredients cook quickly. The recipe list is at the end of the video.
- The sauce can be slightly caramelized; it adds to the flavor.
- The marinade can be slightly thicker than desired. A 10 minute reduction time may suffice instead of the 60 minute reduction shown.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of grill besides a Mangal grill?
Absolutely! A regular charcoal grill, gas grill, or even a grill pan will work. Just ensure you get good char marks and the chicken is cooked through.
2. What can I substitute for the tare sauce if I don't have it?
A simple teriyaki sauce or even a mix of soy sauce, mirin, and sake can be used as a substitute. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
3. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the skewers?
Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This will help prevent burning and sticking.
These delicious chicken yakitori skewers, infused with smoky Mangal grill flavor, are a perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion. The simple recipe and satisfying results make this a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Now go forth and grill your way to yakitori perfection!