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–+ servings
two yakitori chicken skewers with sesame seeds and scallions

Yakitori - Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewer

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Main
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: Bincho, Binchotan, Chicken, Chicken Marinade, Grill, Grilled, Grilling, Japanese, Marinade, Skewer, Yakitori
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Chef Tony Zentgraf
Yakitori is a Japanese street food that has become a grilling sensation around the world. Give this a try!
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Equipment

  • 12 Bamboo Skewers

Recipe Multiplier

  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs diced 1"x1"
  • ⅔ cup Soy Sauce
  • 6 tbsp Mirin
  • 4 tbsp Rice Wine
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • 1 ½ tbsp Ginger grated
  • 3 ea Garlic Clove grated
  • 1 ½ tbsp Sesame Seeds

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

  • Trim unwanted fat from the chicken thighs.
  • Dice the chicken into 1" x 1" dice. Reserve until marinade is ready.

Preparing the Marinade

  • Grate the ginger and garlic on a microplane. This will release the oils in the ginger and garlic and they will be small enough to blend into the marinade.
  • In a bowl, combine the ingredients (except the chicken) and whisk to combine and dissolve the sugar. (this may take a few minutes)
  • Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to combine.
  • Marinate for 1 to 4 hours.

Grilling the Yakitori

  • Preheat a charcoal grill, a gas grill will work also. Charcoal is traditional for Yakitori.
  • Skewer the cubed chicken onto skewers that have been pre soaked in water.
  • Skewer 5-6 pieces on a 10" skewer.
  • Grill the chicken over the coals, basting with the marinade while turning them.
  • When the Yakitori is done, remove from the grill. Serve with brown or white rice.
    Enjoy!

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