Grilled Skewers with a Japanese Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin 1/4 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake 1/4 cup sake
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish) 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. 5.
   Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. 6.
   Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — To ensure juicy and tender skewers, use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Thigh meat has more fat, which adds flavor and prevents the meat from drying out during grilling.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the bamboo skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Baste the skewers with the marinade while grilling to enhance the flavor.
• Experiment with different ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or shrimp for variety.
• Serve Yakitori with a side of steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.

Serving advice

Serve the Yakitori skewers hot off the grill as an appetizer or as the main course. They pair perfectly with a side of steamed rice and a crisp salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled skewers on a platter, garnished with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color. Serve with a small bowl of extra marinade for dipping.