Ever had one of those cravings for something that's both mouth-wateringly delicious and super easy to make? Yeah, same here! 😋 That's where grill for yakitori comes in. 

I remember the first time I tried it at a little street market in Tokyo, and I was hooked! The smoky, savory chicken skewers were absolutely to die for. 

Grill for yakitori is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a BBQ, having a casual dinner, or just want to treat yourself, these chicken skewers are sure to impress. Plus, they're super fun to make! Imagine the joy of grilling these skewers to perfection, sipping on a cold drink, and sharing laughs with friends and family. Sounds like a perfect evening, right? 😄

So, let's get grilling! Here’s my go-to recipe for yakitori, packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you start, you won't be able to stop making these. They're that good. 😉

What is Yakitori Exactly?

Yakitori, which literally means “grilled chicken” in Japanese, is a popular type of skewered chicken commonly found in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and street vendors across Japan. It's a dish that celebrates simplicity and flavor, often consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken meat, offal, and vegetables threaded onto skewers and grilled over a charcoal fire. The skewers are typically seasoned with either a salty-sweet sauce called tare or simply with salt (shio).

Key Elements of Yakitori:

The chicken variety in yakitori can be made from various parts of the chicken, including thighs, breasts, wings, liver, and even chicken skin. The seasoning is another crucial aspect of yakitori. Tare, a savory glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, gives the chicken a rich, caramelized coating. Alternatively, shio is a simple seasoning of salt that allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine.

The grilling method is essential to yakitori's distinctive taste. The skewers are traditionally grilled over binchotan, a type of white charcoal that burns at a high temperature and adds a distinct smoky flavor without producing a lot of smoke. This method helps in achieving a perfect char on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside.

Specialized Yakitori Grill Setups

To make authentic grill for yakitori at home, having the right grill setup can make all the difference. Traditional yakitori grilling calls for specific tools and techniques to achieve that perfect smoky flavor and tender texture. Here’s what you need to know about specialized yakitori grill setups:

• Yakitori Grill: A rectangular, compact grill designed for skewers, usually made of ceramic or metal.
• Binchotan Charcoal: High-quality yakitori grill charcoal burns at a high temperature, providing a clean and smoky flavor, which is ideal for cooking yakitori to perfection.
• Skewers: Bamboo skewers (soak in water before use) or metal skewers.
• Grill Net or Bars: Supports the skewers even when cooking.
• Fan or Blower: To maintain the right temperature on your yakitori barbecue grill, a small fan or handheld blower can help stoke the charcoal and control the heat.
• Heat-Resistant Gloves and Tongs: For safe handling of skewers and charcoal.

If you're interested in grilling chicken with a different setup, check out this guide on cooking chicken breast on a Traeger grill. It's a great option if you prefer a more versatile grill!

Ingredients Used to Make Grill for Yakitori

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

How to Make Grill for Yakitori

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Inactive Time: 30 minutes (marinating)
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Method: Grilling
• Yield: 4 servings
• Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar is dissolved. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge. This is where all the magic happens – the longer, the better! 😉
2. Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with green onion pieces. Make sure not to overcrowd them, as you want everything to cook evenly.
3. Grill Time!: Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, brushing with the remaining marinade occasionally. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning – a little char is perfect, but too much can ruin the taste.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, and watch them disappear! Pair with some steamed rice or a light salad for a full meal. 🍚🥗

There you have it – your very own homemade grill for yakitori! This dish is not only easy to whip up but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to some deliciousness. Happy grilling, and enjoy every bite! 😊

Notes

• If you don’t have a grill, you can use a broiler or grill pan.
• Marinating longer enhances the flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

For more mouth-watering recipes and cooking tips like this grill for yakitori, be sure to check out So Damn Delish. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, we’ve got something delicious for everyone!

Grill for Yakitori: Flavor-Packed Chicken Skewers

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Looking for the perfect grill for yakitori? So Damn Delish offers expert tips and delicious recipes to help you create smoky, mouthwatering yakitori at home.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add chicken, marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Skewers: Thread chicken and green onions onto skewers.
3. Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with marinade.
4. Serve: Remove from grill, let rest, and enjoy!

Notes

• If you don’t have a grill, you can use a broiler or grill pan.
• Marinating longer enhances the flavor.

• Author: SoDamnDelish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Inactive Time: 30 minutes (marinating)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Grilled
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg