Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8-10 bamboo skewers
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Brush for basting
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Thread the chicken pieces onto the bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
4. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Brush the chicken skewers with vegetable oil and place them on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Brush the chicken skewers with the cooled sauce and continue to cook for another minute on each side, basting occasionally, until the sauce has caramelized and the chicken is fully coated.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breast or pork.
- Mirin can be substituted with rice vinegar and a little sugar.
- Sake can be substituted with dry white wine or sherry.
Variations:
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the skewers.
- Use different sauces such as teriyaki or honey mustard.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking.
- Baste the chicken frequently to prevent it from drying out.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the chicken skewers on a platter with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is sticking to the grill, brush it with more oil.
- If the chicken is not cooking evenly, adjust the heat or move the skewers to a different part of the grill.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish that originated in the Edo period (1603-1868). It is typically made with chicken skewers grilled over charcoal.
Flavor profiles:
- Salty, sweet, savory, and slightly charred.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Japanese