Chouchin Yakitori with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, cut into chunks 1 large onion, cut into chunks
• 200g (7 oz) shiitake mushrooms 200g (7 oz) shiitake mushrooms
• 200g (7 oz) oyster mushrooms 200g (7 oz) oyster mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all the chicken is coated evenly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto the soaked bamboo skewers, alternating between ingredients.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chouchin Yakitori with a Twist hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — To ensure juicy and tender chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight. This will enhance the flavor and help the chicken stay moist during grilling.
• Shiitake mushrooms — Remove the stems before threading them onto the skewers to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning.
• Basting the skewers with the marinade while grilling adds extra flavor and moisture.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant can be great additions.
• For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha sauce to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Chouchin Yakitori with a Twist as a main course alongside steamed rice or with a side of mixed greens for a lighter meal. It pairs well with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added tanginess.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. For an elegant touch, serve them on individual plates with a side of steamed rice and a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping.