Momo Yakitori with Teriyaki Glaze

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
• 2 tablespoons sake 2 tablespoons sake
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 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): 8g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
5. 5.
   Brush the grill or grill pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. 6.
   Grill the chicken skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   While grilling, brush the chicken skewers with the remaining marinade to create a glossy glaze.
8. 8.
   Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — To ensure juicy and tender chicken, use boneless, skinless 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

• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning.
• Basting the chicken skewers with the marinade while grilling adds extra flavor and creates a beautiful glaze.
• Serve the Momo Yakitori with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Serving advice

Serve the Momo Yakitori as an appetizer or as part of a Japanese-inspired meal. They pair well with steamed rice, a side of pickled vegetables, and a refreshing cucumber salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and drizzle some extra teriyaki glaze on top for an enticing presentation.