Yakitori skewers

yakitori_skewers

If you’re a fan of grilled meats, then you simply must try Japanese Yakitori skewers. These savory, bite-size skewers are a staple of Japanese cuisine, and are enjoyed by people all over the world. Traditionally made with grilled chicken, Yakitori skewers can also be made with a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and seafood.

Yakitori is a combination of two Japanese words: “yaki” meaning grilled, and “tori” meaning chicken. Yakitori skewers are made by skewering small pieces of chicken, pork, or other meat onto bamboo skewers, and then grilling them over high heat until the meat is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

While Yakitori skewers are popular throughout Japan, they are particularly beloved in Tokyo, where small Yakitori restaurants can be found on nearly every corner. These cozy eateries serve up a wide variety of skewers, each cooked to perfection over charcoal flames.

One of the things that makes Yakitori skewers so special is the use of different cuts of meat. In Japan, the meat used for Yakitori skewers is often sourced from the chicken’s thighs, which are known for their tender and juicy meat. The skewers may also be made with other parts of the chicken, such as the breast or wings.

To prepare Yakitori skewers, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality meat. The meat should be cut into bite-size pieces, and then marinated in a special Yakitori sauce, which typically includes soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. The marinade helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Once the meat has been marinated, it’s time to skewer it. Bamboo skewers are the traditional choice for Yakitori skewers, as they are easy to handle and don’t conduct heat. It’s important to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them, to prevent them from burning on the grill.

After the skewers have been prepared, they are cooked over high heat, using a special Yakitori grill. The grill is typically made with a bed of charcoal, which creates intense heat that quickly cooks the meat. The skewers are turned frequently as they cook, to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

As the skewers cook, they are brushed with the Yakitori sauce, which helps to create a rich, caramelized coating on the meat. Once the skewers are cooked through and crispy on the outside, they are ready to enjoy.

Yakitori skewers can be served as an appetizer, or as part of a main course. They are often paired with bowls of steaming rice, and a variety of pickled vegetables. To add some variety to your Yakitori skewers, you can also experiment with different marinades and sauces, or try adding in vegetables or seafood.

Whether you’re a carnivore or a seafood lover, Japanese Yakitori skewers are a must-try dish for anyone who loves grilled meats. With their irresistible flavor and crunchy texture, Yakitori skewers are sure to become a favorite of yours, too.

Sure, here is a recipe for Japanese Yakitori skewers:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sake
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

  2. In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add half of the cooled sauce to the chicken and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

  4. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece.

  5. Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and fully cooked. Brush the remaining sauce over the skewers while grilling.

  6. Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Japanese Yakitori skewers!