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Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Savory Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers You’ll Love at Home

Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of Japanese Chicken Yakitori, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marination Time 10 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Substitute with tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/4 cup Water Chicken broth can be used for more flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine or Mirin Rice vinegar mixed with sugar works as non-alcoholic substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Adjust with honey or agave for sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be a suitable alternative
Chicken
  • 600 grams Chicken Main protein source; firm tofu or seasonal veggies for vegetarian option
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh is best, powder works too
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Ground ginger is a great option if fresh isn’t available
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Arrowroot powder is a good substitute in equal measure

Equipment

  • grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • saucepan
  • skewers

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 10-20 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and vinegar until brown sugar dissolves.
  3. Combine minced garlic, ginger, and ground pepper; add reserved marinade and mix well. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  4. Pour remaining marinade into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the sauce until smooth, then stir into boiling sauce until thickened.
  5. Thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, leaving space between them.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C) and cook the skewers for 8-12 minutes, basting with thickened sauce.
  7. Remove from heat, let rest, and serve over steaming rice or favorite sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 5gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or check out other pairing options for a complete meal.

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