Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish to impress your guests or family? Look no further than this Japanese Chicken Yakitori recipe! With its delicious blend of seasonings and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these skewers ahead of time for a convenient and tasty meal option throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs: Choose your preferred cut of chicken for this recipe.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a savory kick to the marinade.
- Fresh ginger, minced or ginger powder: Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
- Ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami-rich base.
- Water: Helps to thin out the marinade.
- Red wine or mirin (Japanese rice wine): Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Distilled vinegar or rice vinegar: Adds a tangy kick.
- Cornstarch (for thickening): Helps to create a sticky glaze.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes): Used to skewer the chicken for grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and vinegar.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Skewer the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- In a saucepan, heat the remaining marinade with cornstarch to thicken into a glaze.
- Brush the glaze onto the grilled chicken skewers before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality soy sauce for a richer flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Experiment with different marinade ingredients, such as honey or chili paste, for a twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these delicious Chicken Yakitori skewers with a side of steamed rice, a fresh cucumber salad, and a cold glass of Japanese beer for the perfect meal pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, gently warm them in the oven or on the grill to maintain their texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken wings instead of breast or thighs? Yes, chicken wings work well for this recipe.
- Can I grill the skewers indoors? Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
- Can I freeze the marinade for later use? It’s best to use the marinade fresh for optimal flavor.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make dish, give this Japanese Chicken Yakitori recipe a try. With its savory flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite!
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Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Japanese Chicken Yakitori recipe features tender pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, then grilled to perfection on skewers.
Ingredients
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Main Ingredients:
- 5–6 pieces boneless chicken breast or 6–8 pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
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Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp red wine or mirin (Japanese rice wine)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp distilled vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
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Additional:
- 6–7 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10–20 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked skewers.
- Grill the Yakitori: Grill the skewers on medium-high heat, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot with extra marinade for dipping.
Notes
- You can brush the chicken with the marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg