Yakitori with Zesty Teriyaki Glaze – Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers with a Tangy Twist

Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish consisting of grilled chicken skewers that are perfect for a savory snack or main course. This particular recipe includes a zesty teriyaki glaze that adds a delicious tangy flavor to the tender chicken, making it a mouth-watering treat for all.

### Ingredients:1. Chicken Thighs: 500 grams, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces2. Scallions: 3–4, cut into 1-inch pieces3. Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup4. Mirin: 1/4 cup5. Sake: 1/4 cup6. Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons7. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced8. Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated9. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, for zest10. Bamboo Skewers: Soaked in water for 30 minutes11. Sesame Seeds: For garnish12. Chopped Green Onions: For garnish

### For the Teriyaki Glaze:1. Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup2. Mirin: 2 tablespoons3. Sake: 2 tablespoons4. Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon5. Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon6. Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, dissolved in 2 teaspoons water

### Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: - In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. - Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to ensure they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.

2. Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze: - In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. - Reduce the heat and add the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.

3. Skewer the Chicken and Scallions: - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. - Thread the marinated chicken pieces and scallion pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, alternating between chicken and scallion. Leave a little space at both ends of the skewers.

4. Grill the Yakitori: - Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. - During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken skewers with the prepared teriyaki glaze to enhance the flavor.

5. Serve: - Transfer the grilled yakitori to a serving platter. - Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Enjoy these delicious Yakitori with Zesty Teriyaki Glaze as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main course accompanied by steamed rice or a fresh salad.