19 Japanese Chicken Meatballs Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cuisine is renowned for its delicate and flavorful dishes, and one of the most beloved dishes is chicken meatballs, also known as "tsukune." These juicy and tender meatballs are made with a combination of ground chicken, soy sauce, and other traditional Japanese ingredients, making them a delicious and unique addition to any meal. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized recipe for making authenticJapanese chicken meatballs that will impress your family and friends. So, put on your apron and get ready to take your taste buds on a journey to Japan!
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Chicken Fat, Salt, Egg, Onion, Ginger
If you're looking for a tasty and unique twist on the classic meatball, then you have to try Tsukune. These Japanese chicken meatballs are bursting with flavor and are a perfect addition to any meal. Made with ground chicken, green onions, and a blend of savory seasonings, these meatballs are incredibly easy to make and are sure to impress your taste buds.
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Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs) | つくね
Main Ingredients: Bone, Shallot, Green Onions, Potato Starch, Egg, Water
Tsukune is a popular dish in Japan, often served as a street food or at izakayas (Japanese pubs). These bite-sized meatballs are usually grilled on skewers and served with a sweet and savory glaze. But you can also enjoy them in a variety of other ways, such as in a noodle dish or as a topping for rice bowls.
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Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Mince, Spring Onion, Egg, Ginger, Bread Crumbs
While traditional meatballs are usually made with beef or pork, Japanese meatballs are typically made with chicken. This not only adds a unique flavor, but also makes them a healthier option. Plus, they're incredibly versatile and can be seasoned to your liking.
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TSUKUNE (JAPANESE MEATBALLS)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Chicken Fat, Salt, Egg, Onion, Ginger
To make the perfect Tsukune, start by mixing ground chicken with green onions, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sesame oil. You can also add in other seasonings like garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Then, form the mixture into small meatballs and grill them until they're cooked through and slightly charred.
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Tsukune – Japanese Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Shiitake Mushrooms, Sesame Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
If you're not a fan of ground chicken, you can also use ground turkey to make these meatballs. The flavors will still be just as delicious and it's a great way to switch things up. You can also make them with a combination of both chicken and turkey for a unique twist.
Main Ingredients: Dark Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake, Light Brown Sugar, Rice
Once your Tsukune are cooked, you can serve them as is or with a dipping sauce. A popular sauce for Tsukune is teriyaki sauce, which is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. This sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the flavors of the meatballs.
If you want to take your Tsukune to the next level, you can also turn them into Japanese-style sausages. Simply place the mixture into sausage casings and grill them for a fun and delicious twist on the classic meatball. You can also add in some shredded cabbage to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
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Chicken Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Sausage)
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushroom, Grated Ginger, Scallion, Skin
In addition to being served as a street food, Tsukune is also commonly used as a topping for udon noodles. Yaki udon is a simple and delicious dish that consists of stir-fried udon noodles, vegetables, and a protein such as chicken or beef. Adding in some Tsukune meatballs takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
If you want to combine the flavors of both yakitori and Tsukune, then you have to try these Yakitori meatballs. Made with a blend of ground chicken, teriyaki sauce, and green onions, these meatballs are grilled on skewers for a fun and delicious twist on the classic dish.
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Yakitori Meatballs, Japanese Teriyaki Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken Breast, Chives, Ginger, Cornstarch, Egg
Ramen lovers, this one's for you. This rice noodle ramen dish is loaded with bok choy, chicken Tsukune, and enoki mushrooms, all simmered in a flavorful broth. This hearty and comforting bowl of noodles is perfect for any day of the week.
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Rice Noodle Ramen with Bok Choy and Chicken Tsukune...
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Chicken Breast, Panko Bread Crumbs
While Tsukune is often served as a street food, Yakitori is perhaps the most well-known Japanese street food. These skewered and grilled chicken pieces are marinated in a delicious sauce and are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Japanese cuisine. You can also add in some Tsukune meatballs to your skewers for a unique twist.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
If you're a ramen lover, then you have to try this Japanese-style ramen with chicken. Made with a flavorful broth, chewy ramen noodles, and tender pieces of chicken, this dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine. And with the addition of some Tsukune meatballs, it becomes even more delicious and satisfying.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
If you're in the mood for some spicy and flavorful ramen, then this dish is for you. This Japanese-style spicy miso ramen is loaded with tender chicken, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and of course, some delicious Tsukune meatballs. The combination of spicy and savory flavors will leave your taste buds wanting more.
With spring right around the corner, this chicken Tsukune spring ramen is the perfect dish to welcome the season. This dish features a light and refreshing broth, topped with tender chicken, carrots, peas, and, of course, some delicious Tsukune meatballs. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Chicken Tsukune Spring Ramen
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Savoy Spinach, Scallions, Ginger, Lemon
Another popular street food in Japan is chicken karaage. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a light and crispy batter and then fried to perfection. You can also add in some Tsukune meatballs to your karaage for a fun and unique twist on this classic dish.
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Japanese Street Food - Chicken Karaage
Main Ingredients: Chicken Leg, Sake, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Potato Starch
Japanese curry is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is a must-try for any food lover. This dish features a rich and flavorful curry sauce, loaded with tender pieces of chicken and potatoes. And for some added protein and flavor, you can also add in some Tsukune meatballs to your curry.
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Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
Udon noodles are a popular choice in Japanese cuisine, and for good reason. These thick and chewy noodles are a perfect base for a variety of dishes, including this Japanese chicken udon. Loaded with tender chicken, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms, this dish is a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Chicken Udon
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Broth, Water, Sugar
Shoyu ramen is a classic dish in Japanese cuisine and is a must-try for any ramen lover. This dish features a soy sauce-based broth, topped with tender pieces of chicken, green onions, corn, and, of course, some delicious Tsukune meatballs. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Shoyu Ramen
Main Ingredients: Dried Kombu, Cold Water, Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own Japanese curry from scratch? This recipe features a rich and flavorful curry sauce, loaded with tender pieces of chicken, carrots, onions, and potatoes. And of course, you can add in some Tsukune meatballs for a delicious and unique twist.
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Japanese Curry from Scratch
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
Udon noodles are a popular choice in Japanese cuisine, and for good reason. These thick and chewy noodles are a perfect base for a variety of dishes, including this Japanese chicken udon. Loaded with tender chicken, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms, this dish is a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make authentic Japanese chicken meatballs, you will need:
1. Ground Chicken
The main ingredient in this recipe is, of course, ground chicken. You can either purchase pre-ground chicken or grind your own chicken breast at home for a fresher and leaner option.
2. Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs are a staple in Japanese cooking and are essential for achieving the perfect texture in these meatballs. They are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for this recipe.
3. Soy Sauce
No Japanese dish is complete without soy sauce. It adds a salty and umami flavor to the meatballs, making them irresistible. Make sure to use authentic Japanese soy sauce for the best results.
4. Green Onions
Green onions, also known as scallions, add a subtle onion flavor to the meatballs, giving them a refreshing and crunchy texture.
5. Ginger
Freshly grated ginger not only adds a uniquezing to the meatballs but also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this dish not only delicious but also healthy.
6. Egg
An egg acts as a binding agent and helps keep the meatballs together. It also adds a creamy texture to the meatballs, making them juicy and moist.
7. Cooking Oil
To cook the meatballs, you will need a neutral-tasting cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Instructions
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, follow these simple instructions to make authentic Japanese chicken meatballs:
1. Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, green onions, ginger, and egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. This recipe should yield around 12 meatballs.
3. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
4. Cook the Meatballs
Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as teriyaki sauce or sesame dressing, and enjoy the authentic and delicious taste of Japanese chicken meatballs.
Final Thoughts
These authentic Japanese chicken meatballs are a must-try for any lover of Japanese cuisine. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and make a great appetizer or main dish. So, next time you're craving Japanese food, skip the takeout and make these delightful chicken meatballs at home. Your taste buds will thank you!