The Japanese cuisine is not only summarized to sushi and maki. Among the dishes that are the pride of the land of the rising sun, Japanese Yakitori skewers occupy a prominent place.
Take your taste buds on a journey with Yakitori skewers
A real delight for lovers of Asian cuisine, these skewers are usually prepared with chicken, but there are also other variations for variety. This dish is highly prized for its tasty mix of sweet and salty flavors and its bewitching aromas. Rich in flavors, it is excellent for tantalizing the most demanding palates.
A little bit of history about Yakitori
The word “Yakitori” comes from the Japanese terms “yaki”, which means grilled, and “tori” which refers to the bird. The traditional recipe is thus essentially composed of pieces of poultry skewered and then grilled over charcoal. The first references to these skewers date back to the 17th century, where they were consumed by the common Japanese class. Over the years, their preparation has evolved, now including several types of meats and vegetables, as well as different marinades to enhance their flavors.
The key ingredients for a successful Yakitori recipe
The Yakitori skewers are the result of a subtle mix of ingredients that make this dish so tasty. Among these, the most commonly used are:
The chicken
This is the traditional meat used in the preparation of Yakitori. Tender and juicy pieces like the fillet or thighs are generally used. Here are the necessary quantities:
- 600 to 800 g, use fillets or boneless, skinless thighs, cut into pieces.
The soy sauce
An essential part of Japanese cuisine, soy sauce gives skewers their slightly salty character while enhancing the other flavors present in the marinade. Here are the necessary quantities:
- 100 ml, opt for a quality soy sauce, if possible slightly less salty.
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The mirin and sake
Mirin is a sweet, sugary and fragrant alcohol derived from fermented rice. The sake, meanwhile, is an alcoholic beverage also derived from the fermentation of rice, but with a less sweet taste. These two ingredients bring freshness and sweetness to the recipe. Here are the necessary quantities:
- Mirin : 50 ml, this sweet alcohol will add a sugary touch.
- Sake: 50 ml, to bring depth to the taste.
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Garlic and Ginger
They both bring a touch of spice and liveliness to this preparation that we appreciate for its comforting and warm aspect. Here are the necessary quantities:
- Garlic : 1 to 2 cloves, finely chopped or crushed, depending on your preference for the intensity of the garlic.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, to add a spicy and fresh touch.
The Welsh onion
Also known as “green onion”, it adds a crunchy and tangy touch to the dish. Here are the necessary quantities:
- Scallion (green onion): 2 to 3 stems, finely sliced, to garnish the skewers.
Sesame oil, brown sugar and honey
The blend of these three ingredients creates a creamy and slightly sweet marinade, making Yakitori a tasty and indulgent dish. Here are the necessary quantities:
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon, for a touch of richness and flavor.
- Brown sugar : 2 tablespoons, for a subtle sweetness.
- Honey : 1 tablespoon, to add a sweet note and help caramelize the skewers during cooking.
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Preparation steps to get the best Yakitori skewers
Cut and season the meat
The first step is to cut the chicken into cubes of about 2-3 cm each side. In a bowl, then mix the chicken with some of the soy sauce (keep some for the end), minced garlic, grated ginger and a pinch of pepper. Let this preparation marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even several hours if you have the time.
Prepare the sauce and other ingredients
During this time, prepare a pan with the mirin, sake, brown sugar, and honey. Heat up and bring to a boil, then let the sauce reduce until it has a syrupy consistency. Wash and slice the green onion into rounds. Set aside.
Prepare the skewers
When the chicken pieces are well infused with their flavors, skewer them on wooden or metal sticks, alternating with slices of spring onion between each piece.
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Cook and Taste
Cook the skewers on a grill or in a very hot pan, on high heat, turning them regularly. Just before the end of the cooking, brush them with the rest of the soy sauce and finish cooking for a few moments so that the meat soaks up this additional flavor well. Enjoy your hot Yakitori Japanese skewers, accompanied by rice and sautéed vegetables if you wish.
Variations for a change of pleasure
If there is a basic recipe for Yakitori skewers, don’t hesitate to explore different options to find your favorite preparation. Alternate meats such as beef, pork or even shrimp and add vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers) to bring even more deliciousness to this indispensable Japanese dish. The possibilities are numerous and all just as tasty!