Print

Japanese Yakitori Recipe Easy Sticky Teriyaki Glaze for Perfect BBQ

Japanese Yakitori Recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

This Japanese yakitori recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. It’s a quick and easy BBQ treat perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup mirin (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons sake (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (30 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)
  • Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into 1½-inch (4 cm) pieces. Thread the pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. This takes about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and reduce for 8-10 minutes until thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. After flipping, brush with the teriyaki glaze. Repeat brushing and turning until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized (about 12-15 minutes total). Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Brush glaze in layers while grilling instead of soaking chicken overnight to avoid burning. Maintain medium-high heat for perfect caramelization. If flare-ups occur, move skewers to cooler part of grill. Broiler can be used as an alternative to grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: yakitori, Japanese yakitori, teriyaki glaze, grilled chicken skewers, BBQ recipe, sticky teriyaki, easy yakitori, Japanese street food

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/japanese-yakitori-recipe-easy-sticky-teriyaki-glaze-for-perfect-bbq/