Chicken Yakitori

Prep Time: 0 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Ready In: 15 Minutes

Servings: 4

I love japanese appetizers. Yakitori is so easy to make and this version I adapted from several differrent recipes can stand up to any good japanese restaurant! Cucumber & Sesame Salad also included to serve on the side :-)

Ingredients:

marinade (important: reserve 1/2 a cup)

1 clove garlic, peeled and lightly crushed

1/2 inch slice of fresh ginger, lightly crushed

1 cup soy sauce

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup mirin (japanese sweet rice cooking wine)

1 teaspoon peanut oil

11/2 pounds all natural skinless, boneless chicken thighs

1 large bunch scallions, mostly the thicker parts, cut into 11/2-inch lengths

cucumber & sesame salad on side

thinly sliced peeled cucumbers

chopped romaine hearts, sweet gem lettuce leaves (or butter lettuce)

toasted sesame seeds

mix all the below for the dressing

1/2 cup quality mayonnaise

1/4 cup honey

2 teaspoons seasoned rice wine vinegar

1-2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil to taste (careful, it's strong!)

Directions:

1. Cut chicken into uniform 11/2-inch pieces.
2. Place garlic and ginger in large zip lock bag. Crush with rolling pin (or wine bottle!) Add the remaining liquid ingredients. With a measuring cup scoop out 1/2 cup; set aside. Add the 1 teaspoon of peanut oil to the marinade in the zip lock bag (this helps the meat not stick on grill) Marinade chicken for 2-4 hours in refrigerator.
3. On each skewer, thread alternating pieces of chicken and scallions, pressing them together. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill.
4. Take reserved 1/2 cup of marinade and place over medium heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until syrupy, 5 to 10 minutes .Strain into small bowl and cool to room temperature
5. Heat an outdoor charcoal grill. Position the skewers 4 to 5 inches from the heat source, placing yakitori on grill so that ends of skewers are not over direct heat. Sear meat by continually turning skewers for about 2 minutes. Baste with sauce and turn occasionally until chicken is cooked, 8 to 10 minutes. When chicken is done it should feel firm. Take off heat and immediately glaze with reduced sauce. Serve with cucumber & sesame salad on side.

By RecipeOfHealth.com