Japanese Chicken Yakitori 

Chicken Yakitori is a beloved Japanese dish featuring skewered and grilled chicken pieces, often glazed with a savory-sweet tare sauce. Originating from Japanese street food culture, yakitori is traditionally cooked over binchotan charcoal, imparting a unique smoky flavor. The term "yakitori" translates to "grilled chicken," but the preparation can include various cuts of chicken, such as thighs, breasts, and even offal. The skewers are typically seasoned with tare sauce—a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake—or simply with salt (shio). This dish is commonly enjoyed at izakayas (Japanese pubs) and during festivals, offering a delightful combination of taste and tradition. 

Ingredients

For the Yakitori:

• 500g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  
  

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  
  

• Salt, to taste
  
  

• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
  
  

For the Tare Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
  
  

• 1/2 cup mirin
  
  

• 1/4 cup sake
  
  

• 2 tablespoons sugar
  
  

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  
  

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (optional)
  
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.
   
   

2. Make the Tare Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
   
   

4. Grill the Yakitori: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
   
   

5. Glaze the Skewers: During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with the prepared tare sauce, turning the skewers to coat evenly. Be careful not to burn the sauce due to its sugar content.
   
   

6. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 280 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 28g
  
  

• Fat: 15g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 10g
  
  

• Fiber: 0g
  
  

• Sugar: 9g
  
  

• Sodium: 600mg