20 Japanese Chicken Skewer Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, one dish that is loved by many is the Japanese chicken skewers, also known as Yakitori. These skewers are a staple in Japanese food culture, and for good reason. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and a flavorful marinade makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Japanese chicken skewer recipe and give you some tips to perfect this classic dish.
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Start off with a classic Japanese dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor - Yaki Udon. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with thick udon noodles, crispy vegetables, and tender chicken, all tossed in a savory sauce. It's perfect for beginners as it only requires a few ingredients and minimal cooking time.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
No list of Japanese chicken recipes is complete without Yakitori. This traditional dish features juicy chicken skewers that are grilled over charcoal and brushed with a sweet and savory sauce. It's a popular street food in Japan and can easily be recreated at home with just a few simple ingredients.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
Ramen lovers, rejoice! This Japanese Ramen with Chicken recipe is a must-try for all noodle enthusiasts. The rich and flavorful broth is made from scratch and simmered with tender chicken, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables. Top it off with some crispy fried onions for an extra crunch.
If you're feeling a little adventurous, try this Japanese Spicy Miso Ramen recipe. The addition of spicy miso paste gives the broth a kick of heat and depth of flavor. It's the perfect balance of spicy and savory, and the tender chicken and creamy boiled egg make it a filling and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
A comforting and hearty dish, Japanese Curry with Chicken is a staple in every household. The rich and thick curry sauce is packed with vegetables, chicken, and potatoes, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Japanese Street Food - Chicken Karaage
Main Ingredients: Chicken Leg, Sake, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Potato Starch
Chicken Karaage, or Japanese fried chicken, is a popular street food in Japan and for good reason. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful soy-ginger sauce and then coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs before being fried to perfection. It's a great snack or appetizer, but also makes for a delicious main course.
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Japanese Chicken Udon
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Broth, Water, Sugar
Another classic dish, Japanese Chicken Udon is a simple yet satisfying meal. Thick udon noodles are cooked in a flavorful broth with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and soft-boiled eggs. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
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Shoyu Ramen
Main Ingredients: Dried Kombu, Cold Water, Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
This Shoyu Ramen recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a bowl of authentic Japanese ramen at home. The broth is made from a combination of chicken and pork bones, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Top it with some sliced pork belly, green onions, and bean sprouts for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Karaage Chicken (Japanese fried chicken)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thigh, Potato, Plain Flour, Lemon
If you can't get enough of Japanese fried chicken, then you have to try this Karaage Chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a garlic and soy sauce mixture and then coated in potato starch before being fried. The result is crispy and juicy chicken that is bursting with flavor.
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Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Fillets, All Purpose Plain Flour, Eggs
Combine two beloved Japanese dishes into one with this Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry. The crispy and juicy chicken cutlet is served over a bed of fluffy white rice and topped with a thick and flavorful curry sauce. It's a match made in heaven and a must-try for any curry or katsu fan.
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Japanese Curry from Scratch
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
Take your Japanese curry game to the next level with this from-scratch recipe. The flavorful curry sauce is made with spices, herbs, and vegetables, giving it a depth of flavor that will make you never want to go back to store-bought curry roux. Serve it with some tender chicken and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
Upgrade your lunch game with this Japanese Fried Chicken Bento. The crispy and flavorful chicken is packed in a bento box with rice, vegetables, and tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette). It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic Japanese dish on the go.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
Another delicious combination of katsu and curry, this Katsu Curry recipe is sure to become a favorite. The crispy chicken cutlet is served on a bed of fluffy white rice and topped with a thick and flavorful curry sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
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Chicken Karaage (Japanese Style Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Sake, Ginger, Garlic, Eggs
Chicken Karaage is a popular dish in Japan and can be found in almost every Izakaya (Japanese pub). This recipe features juicy and flavorful chicken that is coated in potato starch and fried until golden and crispy. Serve it with some lemon wedges and mayonnaise for dipping.
If you're looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy Japanese fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. The chicken is marinated in a soy sauce and sake mixture before being coated in flour and panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy and golden. Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
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Chicken Karaage | Japanese Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, Ginger, Chopped Garlic
For a twist on traditional Karaage, try this recipe that uses mayonnaise in the marinade for an extra flavorful and juicy chicken. The mayonnaise also helps the chicken to stay moist while frying, resulting in tender and succulent chicken that is coated in a crispy and flavorful crust.
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Yoshinoya-style gyudon / Japanese beef and rice bowl
Main Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Onion, Beef, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy
For a break from chicken, try this popular Japanese beef bowl recipe. Thinly sliced beef is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce and served over a bowl of fluffy white rice. It's a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Chicken Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Light Brown Sugar, Fresh
No list of Japanese chicken recipes would be complete without Chicken Teriyaki. This dish features tender and flavorful chicken that is glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice and top it with some sliced green onions for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a unique and delicious twist on traditional pancakes, try this Japanese Style Pancake recipe. The pancakes are made with flour, eggs, and milk, and are cooked in a special pancake mold to give them a perfectly round shape. Serve them with maple syrup and fresh fruit for a delicious and indulgent breakfast.
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Tori Zosui—Japanese Rice & Chicken Porridge
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Dashi Kombu, Coarsely Ground Black
Last but not least, we have Tori Zosui - a comforting and hearty rice and chicken porridge. This dish is made by simmering rice, chicken, and vegetables in a flavorful broth until they become soft and creamy. It's a great meal for a cold and rainy day or when you're feeling under the weather.
Ingredients for Japanese Chicken Skewers
Chicken
To make the perfect Japanese chicken skewers, the key ingredient is of course, chicken. It is important to use boneless and skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they are more tender and flavorful compared to breast meat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly and are easy to skewer.
Marinade
The marinade is what gives the chicken skewers their distinct flavor. It is a simple combination of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. These ingredients can easily be found in most grocery stores and are also commonly used in other Japanese dishes. For an added kick, you can also add some grated ginger or garlic to the marinade.
Bamboo Skewers
Using bamboo skewers is traditional in Japanese chicken skewers. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you don't have bamboo skewers, you can also use metal skewers.
Steps to Making Japanese Chicken Skewers
1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to make the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they are not too tightly packed.
5. Grill or broil the skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Baste the skewers with the remaining marinade while cooking to add extra flavor.
7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfecting Japanese Chicken Skewers
- Don't overcook the chicken as it will become tough and dry. Keep an eye on the skewers and turn them frequently to ensure they are evenly cooked.
- If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water beforehand to prevent them from burning.
- For a more authentic flavor, try using a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
- Serve the chicken skewers with a side of tsukune sauce, a sweet and savory dipping sauce commonly used in Japanese cuisine.
- Experiment with different marinades by adding different ingredients like sesame oil, honey, or chili paste for a spicy kick.
In conclusion, the Japanese chicken skewer recipe is a must-try for any Japanese food lover. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily recreate this classic Japanese dish in the comfort of your own home. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound cooking skills?