Savory Chicken Yakitori with Soy-Garlic Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Yakitori is a popular Japanese grilled chicken dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Tender chicken pieces are skewered and basted with a savory soy and garlic sauce, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or party snack.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves to create the basting sauce.
- Step 3: Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally and basting frequently with the soy-garlic sauce until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
Tips & Variations
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy-garlic sauce for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving for garnish.
Storage
Store leftover yakitori in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in a microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for yakitori?
Yes, yakitori can be made with other meats like pork or beef, but chicken is traditional and remains the most popular choice.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch—adjust the amount to taste.
PrintSavory Chicken Yakitori with Soy-Garlic Glaze Recipe
Chicken Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish featuring tender chicken pieces skewered and grilled to perfection, then basted with a savory-sweet soy sauce infused with garlic. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for grilling enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved, creating a savory and sweet glaze.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto bamboo or metal skewers, leaving some space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side. During grilling, baste the chicken generously with the soy-garlic sauce to build layers of flavor and keep the meat moist.
- Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and caramelized from the sauce, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, though thighs remain more tender and flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to your taste for sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds as garnish for extra flavor and presentation.
Keywords: chicken yakitori, Japanese grilled chicken, soy garlic chicken skewers, easy yakitori recipe, grilled chicken skewers
