Over the past few decades, Japanese culture has continued to change into its current contemporary modern culture that has absorbed many influences from Asia and other parts of the world. Albeit technological advancement, anime industry, or the culture of Japan, Japanese people will always strive and keep their place as one of the most renowned when it comes to these types of industry. Not only is Japan one of the most respected countries in the world, but they are also one of the most notable when it comes to creating delicious mouthwatering dishes. The Japanese Chicken Yakitori is one of these simple dishes. And you can easily make it at home!
What is Chicken Yakitori?
A classic menu item from Izakaya, yakitori is often found in different street food stalls. Albeit in the alleys or lanes of Tokyo, yakitori can always be found in different areas of Japan. Moreover, it is so popular that even in some high-class restaurants, yakitori is served and is always available for order. The thing that’s unique about this dish is that, since it’s available in many different areas, it is always the go-to of the salarymen for snacks during their breaks or after work. There are also stores where you can watch the chefs turn your raw chicken meat into a delicious, mouthwatering chicken yakitori over an open charcoal fire.
Yakitori means grilled chicken. Yaaki means grilled, and tori means bird or in cooking terms, chicken. This dish is characterized by its bite-sized chicken coated with sweet and savory glaze. It is usually on skewers and is made of all parts of the chicken, such as breast, thighs, hearts, and gizzard, and oftentimes, it comes with vegetables like scallions and capsicums. The sauce used in making yakitori is called tare and is similar to teriyaki sauce containing both the salty and sweet accent. Although they can be made to serve as a main dish, yakitori is often served as an appetizer.
Are you ready to create your own homemade Japanese Chicken Yakitori? Here’s a simple step-by-step process in making a delicious chicken yakitori dish.
Ingredients:
10 wooden skewers
4 1-inch cube cuts of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup of sake
3 tablespoons of mirin
4 scallions and sliced into 1-inch pieces
½ cup of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of white sugar and
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or any preferred cooking oil
Procedures:
1. In cold water, soak 10 skewers for 15 minutes.
2. Alternating with scallions, thread chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers.
3. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve ½ of the sauce for dipping.
5. Heat a grill pan over high heat and lightly brush with vegetable oil or cooking oil.
6. Add skewers and cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center
7. Baste frequently with ½ of the sauce for about 7 to 10 minutes per side.
And that’s how you make an appetizing homemade Japanese Chicken Yakitori. You can always try to add some twists to your cooking. Just make sure to measure everything correctly so that you will not mess up the taste of your dish. Trying to purchase a premium quality sauce? To get the best sauce for your Chicken Yakitori, visit Karman Foods’ Asian Market for premium quality sauces.
About Karman
Karman Lee is an adventurous foodie who loves curating Asian food products through his online Asian Food Specialty Store called Karman Foods.