Yakitori means grilled chicken, skewered and served as a snack on the streets of Japan. These saucy sticks of goodness are the perfect BBQ dish and go great with an ice-cold Asahi beer. Without any ado, let’s unfold Yakitori recipe!
Heat a ridged griddle pan over high heat and add the oil. Once hot, place the skewers in the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Turn the skewers and cook for another 10 seconds before reducing the heat.
This will create grill marks on the chicken. Continue cooking until the chicken is nicely caramelized.
Add one-third of the yakitori sauce, turn the skewers, then add another third of the sauce. Turn off the heat.
Transfer the skewers to a serving plate, drizzle with the remaining yakitori sauce, and sprinkle with shichimi, sliced spring onion, and coriander. Enjoy!
Making theYakitori Sauce
Start by preparing the yakitori sauce. Place the light soy sauce and sugar in a small saucepan and simmer gently over low heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves, then continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid starts to reduce and thicken.
Add the dark soy sauce and sake, stir well, and set aside to cool.
FAQs
Yakitori is a Japanese street food made of grilled meat on sticks. While chicken is the traditional choice, the dish has evolved over time to include lamb, beef, and other meats. What remains the same, however, is the sweet and salty yakitori sauce, which the meat is marinated in both before and during grilling.
Yakitori sauce is the magic ingredient that adds umami to our yakitori skewers. With its blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, it’s not only a great marinade but also a delicious dip for many dishes, especially grilled meats.
Chicken yakitori can be served as a starter, a casual snack with a beer, or as a side dish alongside other meals. You can pair yakitori with rice, vegetables, or even add it to a salad or wrap for a tasty twist.
