How to Make the Perfect Grilled Yakitori Skewers
Japanese · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Yakitori are classic Japanese grilled chicken skewers glazed with a sweet and savory tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Grilling over high heat creates a beautifully caramelized exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
Why this recipe works
This Grilled Yakitori Skewers recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g chicken thighs boneless skinless cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sake
- 8 pieces bamboo skewers soaked in water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Tare Sauce
Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a glossy glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread 3 to 4 pieces of chicken onto each presoaked bamboo skewer, pushing the pieces close together so they stay moist during grilling. Season lightly with salt before grilling to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the chicken develops char marks and is nearly cooked through. Brush generously with tare sauce and grill for 1 more minute per side to caramelize the glaze.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
Remove skewers from the grill and brush on one final coat of tare sauce while still hot. Allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute. Serve with a side of steamed rice and sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken thighs → chicken breast for a leaner option though it can dry out more easily
- sake → dry sherry or apple juice for an alcohol free alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking bamboo skewers in water which causes them to burn on the grill
- Adding the tare sauce too early in cooking which causes it to burn before the chicken is cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 30g protein, 18g carbs, 8g fat, 0g fiber.
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