Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

Charcoal-grilled chicken skewers glazed with sweet soy tare.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces
• Bamboo skewers, soaked
• Tare sauce: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tbsp sake, 2 tbsp sugar
• Scallion pieces, shishito peppers (optional)
• Shichimi togarashi (seven-spice) for serving

Method

1. Simmer tare ingredients until reduced by half and syrupy (5 min). Reserve.

2. Thread chicken (alternating with scallion pieces) onto skewers.

3. Grill over high heat 3 min per side, brushing with tare in the last minute.

4. Serve with shichimi togarashi.

What You're Practicing

• Tare is the universal Japanese glaze — same base as teriyaki but reduced thicker.
• Chicken thighs are traditional for yakitori — more flavorful and juicier than breast.