Teriyaki chicken skewers
Teriyaki chicken skewers are a popular Japanese dish that is well-loved across the world. The dish is made by marinating pieces of chicken in a sweet and savory sauce called teriyaki sauce, which is then skewered with vegetables and grilled to perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a beautiful char and a hint of smokiness that’s perfect for any occasion.
Teriyaki sauce is often made with a combination of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. The savory umami flavor of soy sauce is balanced with the sweetness of the sugar and mirin, while the sake adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Some recipes also include ginger, garlic, or sesame oil to add more flavor to the dish.
Chicken is a versatile protein that takes well to most marinades, and teriyaki chicken skewers are no exception. For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh is the preferred cut, as they are tender and cook up nicely on the grill. However, chicken wings or drumettes can also be used, and they are a great option for appetizers or as a snack.
To make the dish, the chicken is first marinated in the teriyaki sauce for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. After marination, the chicken pieces are then threaded onto skewers, along with any vegetables of your choice. Popular choices include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Grilling the skewers over high heat is the best way to cook them, as it gives the chicken a beautiful char and adds a smoky flavor to the dish. If you don’t have a grill, you could also broil the chicken skewers in the oven or cook them on a stovetop grill pan.
Teriyaki chicken skewers are a great meal option that’s both healthy and easy to make. The dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course and pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, salad, or roasted vegetables. The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce also makes it an excellent pairing for fruity cocktails or sake.
In conclusion, teriyaki chicken skewers are a delicious Japanese dish that can be easily prepared at home. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables make it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and enjoy a taste of Japan right in your own home?
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sake, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Transfer the chicken pieces into the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and charred on the outside.
- Serve the skewers with extra teriyaki sauce and some sesame seeds, if desired.