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Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Savory Japanese Chicken Yakitori with Homemade Tare Sauce

This authentic Japanese Chicken Yakitori is easy to prepare, delivering a rich umami flavor that will impress your loved ones.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs Opt for thighs for tenderness; breasts tend to dry out.
  • 4 stalks Green Onions Adds freshness; bell peppers can be an alternative.
  • 8 pieces Bamboo Skewers Soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
For the Tare Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium is a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup Mirin Can substitute with sweetened rice vinegar.
  • 1/4 cup Sake Dry white wine can be a replacement.
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Coconut sugar is a healthier option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced preferred.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Can substitute with ground ginger.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Medium saucepan
  • Bamboo Skewers

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cut chicken thighs into uniform cubes and slice green onions into 2-inch pieces.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger over medium heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Thread chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with green onion segments.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F.
  6. Grill skewers for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, basting with tare sauce.
  7. Remove skewers from the grill, brush with additional tare sauce, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, baste with tare sauce frequently while grilling and check that chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

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