Yakitori is a traditional Japanese dish that has become increasingly popular around the world. This dish consists of grilled chicken skewers that are usually seasoned with teriyaki sauce or another tasty sauce.
The word “yakitori” literally means “grilled bird” in Japanese, and although chicken is the most common ingredient, it can also be prepared with other meats such as beef, pork or even fish. Yakitori skewers can also be garnished with vegetables like green onions, peppers or mushrooms.
Yakitori is usually prepared on a U-shaped grill called “shichirin”. This grill uses charcoal to slowly cook the skewers, giving them a characteristic smoky flavor and a tender, juicy texture. The skewers are often turned several times to ensure that each side is evenly grilled and browned.
Yakitori is often served in Japanese restaurants called “izakaya”, which offer a variety of dishes to share with drinks. Yakitori skewers can be ordered individually or in assorted platters, and are often accompanied by rice, vegetables or other Japanese side dishes.
Yakitori recipe for 4 people:
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 4 tablespoons of mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 4 tablespoons of sake
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 8 bamboo skewers (soak them in water for 30 minutes before use)
Preparation:
- Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes of about 2.5 cm.
- Thread the chicken cubes onto the bamboo skewers. You can also add vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms or green onions if you wish.
- In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, mirin, sake and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
- Brush the chicken skewers with the sauce.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the pan or grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, brushing with additional sauce halfway through cooking.
- When chicken is cooked and golden, remove skewers from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice and other Japanese side dishes of your choice.
Teriyaki sauce is one of the most popular seasonings for Yakitori skewers. This sweet and savory sauce is made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar and other ingredients. The sauce is often brushed on the skewers during cooking and can also be served as a side sauce.
Teriyaki sauce recipe:
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar.
- Add garlic and grated ginger if desired.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool.
- Use the teriyaki sauce to baste chicken, beef, pork or fish skewers, or to season grilled vegetables.
You can store teriyaki sauce in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for several weeks.
In addition to teriyaki sauce, there are a variety of other seasonings that can be used for Yakitori skewers. Yakitori skewers seasoned with salt, pepper or other spices, such as spicier sauces or spice blends.
