Yakitori chicken skewers to make at home: Crispy, juicy and simply irresistible!

Ready for an extraordinary taste experience? Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine with a unique yakitori recipe that will captivate you. But here’s the highlight: we’re going to conjure up our very own, homemade Teriyaki-style yakitori sauce. The intense, sweet-and-salty flavour of this sauce gives the tender chicken skewers an irresistible touch.

But that’s not all – we won’t be grilling the skewers in the traditional way, but frying them in a pan. This method not only saves time, but also allows anyone to prepare this delicious speciality, even without a barbecue to hand.

Are you ready to heat up the pan and experience the irresistible aroma of yakitori in your kitchen? Then join me on this unforgettable culinary journey and discover a new way to enjoy yakitori!

Discover the exciting world of yakitori, the delicious grilled chicken skewers, which are seasoned with a sweet -spicy sauce or savoury salt. They are not only a sophisticated dish but also a quick snack that goes perfectly with a refreshing drink. Yakitori are usually grilled over an open charcoal fire, which gives them a smoky flavour and a crispy texture.

In Japan, yakitori are hugely popular and are often enjoyed after work in pubs or other bars. They are simple, yet come in a wide variety of forms.

Tip

It’s incredible what can be grilled on a skewer! From chicken breast, chicken fillet and chicken breast cartilage to thighs and wings. Of course, beef and pork can also be used, for example. Added to this are the countless vegetarian options such as peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Although yakitori is considered a traditional Japanese dish, its history only dates back to the Meiji period from 1868 to 1912, when the yakitori tradition developed from small food stalls known as yatai. These stalls were mainly found in large cities near shrines, bridges and public events. The hot meat skewers were served on simple sticks that were easy to take away and enjoy without chopsticks – a perfect snack!

What varieties of yakitori are there?

Nowadays, yakitori-ya – establishments serving grilled chicken skewers – are everywhere. They are particularly popular with tired office workers, the salarymen, who are looking for refreshment and a quick snack after work. Yakitori is enjoying increasing international popularity and could become one of the next big trends!

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visit Japan and dine in a traditional yakitoriya, you’ll know that creating the perfect yakitori skewer is a labour of love for many chefs there. Unlike many restaurants in Germany, which offer a wide-ranging menu, authentic yakitoriya in Japan specialise in one thing: excellent grilled skewers.

Imagine strolling through the streets of Tokyo, the scent of freshly grilled chicken drawing you in, and you step into an authentic yakitoriya. Here, you won’t find dozens of different dishes, but rather the art of skewer variations. A little tip on the side: It’s best to bring friends who are just as crazy about these delicacies as you are!

OUR RECOMMENDATION

Cookbook ‘Dashi to Dango’

Discover the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine with my cookbook “Dashi to Dango” – simple and enjoyable in your own kitchen.

With loving attention to detail and exquisite recipes, you’ll become a master of traditional dishes that will enchant your palate. Don’t wait any longer – start your culinary adventure and bring the magic of Japan into your kitchen!

Guarda nel negozio qui

You might be wondering how many different skewers a place like this actually serves? The answer might surprise you, as it goes far beyond simple grilled chicken fillet. From juicy chicken breast to crunchy cartilage and tender wing pieces – the variety is impressive. And although most yakitoriya stick to one or two special seasonings, the possible combinations are almost limitless.

But it’s not just chicken that gets skewered here. Beef, pork and even vegetarian delicacies such as peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes find their place on the grill. Let our overview inspire you and discover the world of classic yakitori, which you can also prepare at home using our recipe below.

The most popular yakitori varieties:

• Negima – chicken thigh and leek
• Tsukune – meatballs
• Torikawa – crispy skin
• Tebasaki – chicken wings
• Reba – liver
• Nankotsu – cartilage
• Negima – chicken thigh and leek

The most popular vegetarian yakitori options are a combination of:

• Shishito – peppers or chillies
• Shiitake or enoki mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes
• green asparagus

Make your own yakitori

Yakitori are not only delicious snacks, but also easy to make. At the heart of every variation is the skewer, known in Japan as kushi . Kushi are not merely decorative, but functional and ideal for on the go.

Depending on their intended use, they are made of stainless steel, bamboo or wood. Whilst stainless steel and wooden skewers are reused in restaurants, bamboo skewers are often disposable items at mobile food stalls.

The traditional grill for these delicacies is a portable charcoal grill, which grills meat and vegetables to juicy perfection in no time at all, giving them a crispy crust. Restaurants often use high-quality binchotan charcoal, made from Ubame oak. With its hard surface and low-smoke embers, it ensures that distinctive grilled flavour without the smoke nuisance.

For home use, there are handy tabletop grills, also known as Takujo konro or Yakitoriki. Small, electric and fitted with heating elements, they are perfect for a cosy get-together with friends. So let’s dive into the wonderful world of yakitori and enjoy a culinary feast!

For our yakitori recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients. Let’s start with the chicken. It’s best to use 500 g of boneless thighs or inner breast fillets. Don’t forget to pick up a bunch of spring onions too! Wash them thoroughly and then cut them into pieces about 3 cm wide.

For the yakitori sauce, you’ll need 120 ml soya sauce for a savoury touch. Add 120 ml of Mirin, a sweet rice wine that gives the sauce a pleasant mildness. For more flavour, add 60 ml Sake , a Japanese rice wine. Mix the sauce with 60 ml water to thin it slightly, then add 2 tbsp sugar to achieve a delicious sweet-and-spicy flavour.

For the yakitori skewers, you will also need 12 bamboo skewers. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning in the pan. And don’t forget: use 5 tbsp of oil, such as rapeseed oil, to fry the skewers in the pan.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to prepare delicious yakitori skewers and enjoy the unique flavours of Japan. I wish you every success and hope you enjoy cooking – if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to use the comments section below the recipe 😊. Let’s get started:

Are you looking for even more delicious recipes that go really well with yakitori? Here are a few inspirations from Japan:

Have you tried the recipe? Let me know in the comments, I can’t wait to hear from you!