Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying Japanese meal? Look no further than Yakitori Donburi, a comforting bowl of rice topped with succulent grilled chicken skewers. This classic dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. The savory, slightly sweet yakitori perfectly complements the fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Forget expensive restaurant meals – this recipe empowers you to recreate this deliciousness in your own kitchen.
Imagine tender chicken, marinated in a delectable blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, then expertly grilled until perfectly charred. That's the heart of Yakitori Donburi. This recipe guides you through each step, from preparing the marinade to achieving that ideal char on the chicken. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Large pan
Ingredients
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Mirin: 2 tbsp
- Sake: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 2 tsp
- Honey: 1 tsp
- Garlic: 1/2 tbsp (grated)
- Chinese chicken powder: 1/2 tsp
- Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs: 300g
- Salt: a pinch
- Black pepper: a pinch
- Cornstarch: 1/2 tbsp
- Cooking oil: 1/2 tbsp
- Zucchini: 1 (roughly chopped)
- Japanese leek: 1/2 (cut into 5cm pieces)
- Bell pepper: 1/2 (cubed)
- Green onions: chopped
- Shichimi: a sprinkle
- Nori (seaweed): shredded
- Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Sauce
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, honey, grated garlic, and chicken powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Cut 300g of boneless, skin-on chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix until evenly coated.
Step 2. Cook Vegetables and Chicken
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add zucchini, leek, and bell pepper. Cook until slightly charred, turning occasionally.
- Add a bit more oil to the pan. Add chicken, skin-side down, and cook until crispy. Flip and brown the other side. Ensure no pink remains.
Step 3. Combine and Thicken
- Add the cooked vegetables and prepared sauce to the pan with the chicken. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve over rice. Garnish with shredded nori, green onions, and shichimi.
Read more: Ochazuke Recipe: Easy Japanese Green Tea Rice Bowl
Tips
- Use vegetables that don't require long cooking times and taste good grilled.
- The cornstarch helps the sauce thicken and adhere to the chicken.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different cuts of chicken for Yakitori Donburi?
Yes! Thigh meat is traditional and stays juicy, but boneless, skinless breasts work well too. Just be mindful of cooking time – breasts cook faster.
2. What if I don't have mirin? Can I substitute?
Yes, you can substitute mirin with a combination of 1 tablespoon of sake and 1 teaspoon of sugar for a similar sweetness.
3. How can I make this recipe even faster?
Use pre-cut chicken skewers to save time on prep. You can also use leftover cooked chicken if you're short on time.
This Easy Yakitori Donburi recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, proving that delicious Japanese food can be surprisingly simple to make at home. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and textures of this comforting bowl, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Now go forth and impress yourself (and others!) with your newfound Yakitori Donburi skills!