Chicken Yakitori
Today we present a recipe for chicken prepared in a "yakitori" style. These are the famous Japanese kebabs, made by marinating and seasoning the meat with a delicate sauce made from various ingredients such as lime, soy sauce, sake, mirin, sesame seeds, brown sugar and a pinch of chilli pepper. It’s a very tasty recipe, and most importantly very easy to make, allowing you to make chicken in a rather different way, adding an exotic touch to your dinner and yet spending very little money. You can adapt this recipe for pork: the result will also be delicious, and it’s guaranteed that all your guests will enjoy it. The yakitori sauce is delicately aromatic, and gives an almost caramelized effect to the chicken meat. Be sure to accompany your chicken Yakitori kebabs with a large glass of beer, perhaps even a Japanese variety.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Take the chicken breast and cut it into 2cm cubes. Transfer to a bowl and marinate for 30 minutes with the soy sauce, a few drops of lime juice and a little of its grated zest. Finely chop up one or more fresh chillies and add the sesame seeds. While the chicken is marinating, make the yakitori sauce. Put one part sake, one part mirin, two and a half parts soy sauce and 5 teaspoons of sugar in a bowl. Heat in a microwave or a saucepan until the sugar has dissolved completely. After 30 minutes of marinating, take the pieces of chicken and put them on some kebab skewers, then sprinkle the skewers of meat with the sesame seeds and chili. Heat a griddle or a frying pan with a flat bottom and grease it with some oil. Now brown the skewers on each side, basting from time to time with the yakitori sauce until they are cooked. Serve piping hot in a dish together with the remaining sauce.
Step by step
|
View the step by step
|
Cu the chicken into largish cubes and marinade in the soy sauce and chilli
|
|
View the step by step
|
Mix the soy sauce with the mirin (rice wine) and sugar
|
|
View the step by step
|
Slide the marinated chicken onto the kebab skewers
|
|
View the step by step
|
Put the kebabs on to grill on a hot frying pan and brown them with the yakitori sauce
|
|
View the step by step
|
Here is this main course chicken dish, a specialty of Japanese cuisine
|
Additional information
Yakitori Chicken with Soy Sauce and Lime
A delicious variation of Yakitori Chicken includes the addition of a soy sauce and lime that enriches the dish with freshness and flavor. To prepare this recipe, start by cutting the chicken breast into 2x2 cm cubes and let it marinate in a mixture of soy sauce and lime juice for about 30 minutes. This marinade not only flavors the chicken but also makes it tender and juicy. After marinating, you can skewer the chicken pieces on wooden skewers, optionally alternating them with chili for a spicy touch. Cook the skewers on the grill or in a non-stick pan, brushing with a sauce made from sake, mirin, and brown sugar for perfect caramelization. Serve the Yakitori Chicken hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and a squeeze of fresh lime to further enhance the flavors.
Japanese Yakitori Chicken with Sesame Seeds
Japanese Yakitori Chicken is a traditional dish that captivates with its simplicity and unique flavor. This preparation method involves the use of wooden skewers, which are cooked on a grill or in a pan. The chicken is marinated with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and brown sugar, creating a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes during cooking. You can enrich the dish with seasonal vegetables, such as green onions or bell peppers, for a touch of color and crunch. Quick cooking over high heat allows the chicken to remain tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Served with white rice or salad, Yakitori Chicken represents an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine, bringing a rich culinary experience to the table.
Light Yakitori Chicken without Refined Sugar
For those who desire a lighter version of Yakitori Chicken, it can be prepared without refined sugar, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead. This light variant maintains the flavor of the original dish but reduces calories and sugar content. To prepare it, marinate the chicken as in the traditional recipe, but substitute the sugar with a sweetener of your choice. The cooking remains unchanged, and you can also opt for grilling instead of using a pan for further fat reduction. The result will be a tasty and healthy Yakitori Chicken, perfect for those following a balanced diet without sacrificing the pleasure of a flavorful dish. Serve it with light sides like salads or grilled vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Yakitori Chicken and Approximate Calories
Yakitori Chicken, made with chicken breast, is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Chicken breast is also low in saturated fats, making it a great choice for those following a healthy diet. Additionally, the presence of lime and chili not only adds flavor but also provides vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to strengthening the immune system. In a serving of Yakitori Chicken (about 100 grams), there are approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the marinade and seasonings used. By opting for fresh and natural ingredients, this dish can become a healthy and nutritious option for your daily menu.
Can Yakitori Chicken be Frozen?
The answer is yes, Yakitori Chicken can be frozen, but it is important to follow some precautions to ensure food quality and safety. To freeze the chicken, it is advisable to do so before cooking, marinating the chicken pieces and then placing them in a food bag or airtight container. This way, the chicken can absorb the flavors of the marinade even during the freezing process. If you have already cooked the Yakitori Chicken, you can still freeze it, but make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer. When you are ready to consume it, you can thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before reheating it in a pan or microwave. This way, the Yakitori Chicken will maintain its optimal flavor and texture.