Yakitori Deluxe: Exquisite Grilled Chicken Skewers with a Kick

Yakitori Deluxe is a traditional Japanese dish that features tender pieces of chicken, grilled on skewers to perfection with a flavorful glaze. The term yakitori literally means “grilled chicken,” and this dish brings together the savory and sweet flavors of the marinade, creating a delectable balance that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an excellent appetizer or main course that can be enjoyed with rice and a side of pickled vegetables.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Skewers:
– 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 bunch of green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
– Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Yakitori Sauce:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup sake
– 1/4 cup mirin
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yakitori Sauce:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool. This will be used for both marinating and basting the chicken.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with about half of the cooled yakitori sauce.
2. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

3. Assemble the Skewers:
1. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and green onion segments onto the soaked bamboo skewers, alternating between chicken and onion.

4. Grill the Skewers:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Baste the skewers with the remaining sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling to add extra flavor and a glossy finish.

5. Serve:
1. Transfer the grilled yakitori to a serving platter.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Yakitori Deluxe is a delicious and visually appealing dish that brings the authentic flavors of Japanese street food to your home kitchen. Enjoy it as a delightful snack or a part of a larger meal with family and friends.