Yakitori is a traditional Japanese dish that involves skewering pieces of chicken or other meats, then grilling them over an open flame. Known for its smoky flavor and tender texture, yakitori is one of Japan’s most beloved street foods. Whether served as a casual snack with drinks or as part of a larger meal, yakitori skewers are both simple and delicious, making them a perfect dish for grilling season or any time you crave an authentic taste of Japan.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through preparing classic yakitori, featuring juicy chicken marinated in a savory sauce, then grilled to perfection. The key to authentic yakitori is the tare sauce, which is made with soy sauce, sake, and mirin, giving it a sweet, salty, and umami-packed glaze that coats the skewers beautifully.
The History of Yakitori: A Japanese Tradition
Yakitori’s origins trace back to Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), where it was sold by street vendors as a convenient and flavorful snack. The dish’s name, “yakitori,” literally translates to “grilled bird,” as chicken was the most common meat used in the dish. Over the centuries, yakitori evolved, and now different parts of the chicken and even other meats like pork, beef, and vegetables are commonly skewered and grilled.
In Japan, yakitori is typically enjoyed in izakayas (Japanese pubs), often paired with sake or beer. The grill used for cooking yakitori is called a sumibi, and it is fueled by binchotan charcoal, which imparts a delicate smokiness to the meat.
Today, yakitori is enjoyed all over the world, bringing a taste of Japanese grilling culture to kitchens and restaurants far beyond Japan’s borders.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Cuisine: Japanese
Course: Main Course, Appetizer
Servings: 4
Calories: 200-250 per serving (depending on skewers used)
Ingredients for Japanese Yakitori
The ingredients for this recipe are simple but essential for creating an authentic yakitori experience. You’ll need fresh chicken, skewers, and the key to yakitori’s distinct flavor: tare sauce.
For the Yakitori Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces (or use chicken breast for a leaner option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for brushing the grill or pan)
- 2-3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces (for garnish)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional, for added flavor and color)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
For the Tare Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred for a balanced flavor)
- ¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- ¼ cup sake (can substitute with dry white wine or water)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a hint of acidity)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Japanese Yakitori
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option, but the thighs will yield more juicy and tender results. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: Make the Tare Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. This sauce is the key to the yakitori’s deep, savory flavor, so be sure to taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken and Vegetables
Take your soaked skewers and thread them with pieces of chicken, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper and green onions if you’re using them. The vegetables add a beautiful color and a touch of sweetness to balance the smoky chicken. Depending on the size of your skewers, you can add about 4-6 pieces of chicken per skewer.
Step 4: Grill the Yakitori
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. If you’re using a grill, brush it lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Be sure to turn the skewers often to avoid burning, as chicken can cook quickly on a grill.
While grilling, periodically brush the skewers with the tare sauce using a basting brush. This will coat the chicken in the sweet, savory sauce, creating the signature glaze that makes yakitori so irresistible. Continue grilling and basting until the sauce caramelizes slightly on the surface of the chicken.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the yakitori is fully cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Arrange the skewers on a serving plate, drizzle with extra tare sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and color. Serve your yakitori with a side of steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a cold drink to complete the meal.
Additional Tips for Perfect Yakitori
- Chicken Alternatives: While chicken is the traditional meat for yakitori, you can also use pork, beef, or tofu. For a more authentic touch, try using different cuts of chicken such as tsukune (chicken meatballs) or momo (chicken thighs).
- Charcoal Grilling: If possible, use binchotan charcoal for grilling yakitori. It burns hotter and cleaner than regular charcoal, giving your skewers a distinct smoky flavor.
- Vegetable Options: Experiment with different vegetables on your skewers. Shiitake mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus are excellent choices for yakitori.
How to Serve Yakitori
Yakitori is typically served in small portions as an appetizer or side dish, but you can also enjoy it as a main course. Pair your yakitori with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or miso soup for a complete and balanced meal. It’s also a great dish for parties or gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a fun, interactive dining experience.
Conclusion: Savor the Authentic Taste of Japan
Yakitori is a timeless Japanese dish that brings bold, smoky flavors to your table in an easy-to-make, fun-to-eat package. Whether you’re enjoying it as a casual snack or serving it at a dinner party, Japanese yakitori is a surefire way to impress your guests with the art of Japanese grilling. With a flavorful tare sauce and perfectly grilled chicken, each bite will transport you straight to the heart of Japan.
This yakitori recipe is versatile and customizable, offering endless possibilities for adding your favorite vegetables or meats. The next time you’re craving a taste of Japan, fire up the grill and make your own batch of delicious yakitori skewers.
