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yakitori recipe

Authentic Japanese Yakitori Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken skewers with a caramelized tare sauce, perfect for backyard cooking and Japanese street food at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups mirin
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 clove garlic pressed
  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
  • 1-2 green onions cut into inch-long pieces
  • 8 bamboo skewers

Equipment

  • grill
  • medium saucepan
  • bamboo skewers

Method
 

  1. Combine mirin, soy sauce, sugar, and pressed garlic in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture reduces by half, then remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken into a brushable glaze.
  2. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, keeping the skin on. Thread the chicken pieces onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers, alternating with pieces of green onion.
  3. Grill the skewers over medium heat. Start by cooking without sauce to sear the chicken. Once it begins to change color, brush with the tare sauce. Turn and brush the skewers approximately three times total, allowing the sauce to caramelize in thin layers for a glossy, charred finish.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.