Ingredients
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Water
1/4 cup Mirin
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes)
1 tablespoon Vinegar (Rice vinegar is the best choice)
2 cloves Minced Garlic (Garlic powder can be used if fresh isn’t available)
1 teaspoon Ginger (Ground ginger can work but use sparingly)
1 teaspoon Ground Pepper (Adjust to your taste)
1 pound Chicken (thigh or breast, depending on your preference)
Wooden skewers (Soak in water to prevent burning)
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 10-20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, and vinegar until the sugar dissolves.
- In a separate bowl, mix minced garlic, ginger, and ground pepper. Add 1/4 cup of the marinade to the spice mixture and toss in the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, bring the remaining marinade to a boil. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the sauce, then stir it into the boiling mixture until it thickens.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the thickened marinade. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked through and caramelized on the outside, remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this recipe. Marinate and grill the same way for a smoky, savory bite.
Spicy Yakitori: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Different Meats: You can also use beef for these skewers. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose.
Sweet Variations: Experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar to alter the flavor profile of the marinade.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg