Yakitori recipe (Tender grilled chicken skewers)

Prepare to light up your taste buds with Yakitori, Japan’s iconic grilled chicken skewers smothered in a sweet and savory glaze. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, whipping up a casual dinner, or just want to feel like you’re strolling through a bustling Tokyo street market, this recipe will transport you straight to Japan. These delightful skewers are perfect for sharing (or hoarding—no judgment here) and pair beautifully with rice, noodles, or even a chilled glass of sake.

But what exactly is Yakitori? Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. The word “Yakitori” literally translates to “grilled bird” in Japanese, and this dish dates back to Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868), when skewered chicken became a popular street food. Originally sold at roadside stalls, Yakitori was the go-to snack for busy workers craving a quick bite. Today, it’s a staple at izakayas (Japanese pubs) and festivals, beloved for its smoky, umami-packed flavor.

The magic of Yakitori lies in its simplicity. Juicy chicken cubes and tender chunks of leek are grilled to perfection, kissed by the smoky aroma of a hot grill.
And don’t worry, you don’t need a fancy yakitori grill to nail this dish—your trusty skillet or even an oven broiler will do the trick.

For my fabulous culinary adventurers who live for food that’s both tasty and Instagram-worthy, this recipe is for you. You’ll master the art of making authentic Japanese Yakitori, and impress everyone with your grilling skills. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skewers, and let’s get cooking. Trust me, your dinner guests (or just you!) are in for a treat.

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Yakitori recipe (Tender grilled chicken skewers)

Cooking Method: Grilling, Sauteing Cuisine: Asian, Japanese Courses: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Chicken Non Vegetarian Quick Meals Tasty

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 6

Description

Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish featuring juicy chicken skewers glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. Great for casual dinners, BBQs, or as an appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 150 g Chicken breast or thigh, cubed

• 1 stalk Leek

• 4 tbsp Soy sauce (Preferably Japanese soy sauce)

• 4 tbsp Sake

• 20 g Sugar

• 5 tbsp Peanut oil (Or neutral oil of your choice)

• 1 pinch Salt (For seasoning)

Instructions

Yakitori

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Cut the chicken into 2 cm cubes. Season lightly with salt.

2. Prep the Leeks

   Clean and cut the leek into 2 cm chunks. Boil in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain.

3. Assemble the Skewers

   Thread the chicken and leeks alternately onto skewers.

4. Cook the Skewers

   Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add skewers, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning frequently for even cooking.

5. Make the Sauce

   In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sake, and sugar. Pour over the skewers and cook until the sauce thickens into a glaze, coating the skewers evenly.

6. Serve

   Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice or noodles. Enjoy your Yakitori while warm!
   

Keywords: yakitori recipe, Japanese grilled chicken, sweet soy glaze, chicken skewers recipe, yakitori