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Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Savor the Sweet and Savory Japanese Chicken Yakitori Magic

Experience the delicious flavors of Japanese Chicken Yakitori with tender marinated chicken skewers, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs) Firm tofu can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
  • 10 pieces Wooden Skewers Soak in water to prevent burning.
For the Marinade
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • 1 inch Ginger Use fresh for maximum flavor or ginger powder as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin Substitute with white wine and a pinch of sugar if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Distilled vinegar can be substituted if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Arrowroot is an excellent alternative if you need a substitute.

Equipment

  • grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • meat mallet
  • Wooden Skewers

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for about 10–20 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine (or mirin), brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Trim excess fat from chicken and cut into 1-2 inch chunks. Pound lightly for tenderness.
  4. Mix minced garlic, ginger, and 1/4 cup of yakitori sauce. Coat chicken and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  5. In a saucepan, bring remaining yakitori sauce to a boil. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into boiling sauce until thickened.
  6. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Grill skewers for 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with sauce.
  8. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze skewers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to retain moisture.

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