Are you intrigued about embarking on a journey of taste and flavour? If so, then you must try Japanese yakitori dishes! Yakitori, which means "grilled chicken" in Japanese, is a popular Japanese dish that consists of skewered chicken grilled over charcoal. It is a beloved street food that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Yakitori can be found in many variations, but the traditional one is made with small pieces of chicken meat , such as chicken liver, heart, or gizzard. These are marinated in a traditional Japanese sauce made primarily from soy sauce and mirin .This is what gives the skewers a sweet and savoury flavour. Then the skewers are grilled over charcoal until they are tender and slightly charred.
The beauty of yakitori lies in its simple yet balanced taste. The skewers are easy to make and require only a few basic ingredients. And the secret to creating a truly irresistible yakitori lies in the quality of the ingredients you buy.When it comes to selecting the chicken, it is essential to choose high-quality meat that is tender and juicy yet not very fat and preferably skinless. The best cuts for yakitori are the thigh and breast, as they are perfectly balanced with fat and meat. It is also important to use the freshest ingredients you can find, as this will ensure that the skewers have a rich and natural flavour.
To create a great marinade, you will need, soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar and a bowl. You can add other ingredients as well to enhance the flavours , however it is recommended to stay true to traditions and just keep the basics to get the best results. After the sauce is done, add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes so that you are sure that they have absorbed all the aroma.Once the chicken has marinated, it's time to skewer them. Use high quality bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (to make sure that those don't burn while cooking). Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
To cook the yakitori, you will need a charcoal grill or a grilling pan. Place the skewers on the grill or pan and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
When the yakitori is ready, it's time to enjoy! You can eat them fresh as they are or dip them in different sauces. Some popular options are tare (a thicker version of the marinade), wasabi, or mustard. You can also add toppings like green onions or red hot chillies if you are all about spicing things up.
In conclusion, yakitori is a simple yet delicious dish that is light, balanced and nutritionally good. With its sweet and savory flavour, and slightly charred texture, it's no wonder that yakitori is such a beloved dish. So why not try making yakitori at home and unleash the magic of Japanese skewers? Your taste buds will thank you!
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of foodworldnews.com
