Homemade Chicken Yakitori Skewers

Chicken Yakitori is a popular Japanese street food known for its tender, flavorful bites of chicken glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. Today, we’re bringing this culinary delight into your kitchen. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to impress at your next dinner party or family gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup sake
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 green onions, chopped finely
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Bamboo or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the yakitori sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
2. While the sauce is cooling, cut the chicken thighs into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces, and thread them onto the bamboo skewers. If you’re using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the chicken skewers for about 2-3 minutes on one side before turning them over. Brush the chicken with the yakitori sauce generously, and continue to grill, turning and basting with sauce every couple of minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a nice glaze, approximately 10-12 minutes.
5. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
6. For presentation, garnish the skewers with chopped green onions before serving.

Chicken Yakitori skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, with a side of steamed rice or a green salad to make it a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to serve extra yakitori sauce on the side for dipping! With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the bustling food streets of Japan.

Additional Tips:

• For a smokier flavor, try grilling the skewers over charcoal.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the sauce while simmering (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
• Leftover yakitori sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and used to glaze other meats or vegetables.