Chicken Yakitori

Chicken Yakitori Recipe from Guam: A Flavorful Grilled Delight

Region / culture: Guam | Preparation time: 4-8 hours | Cooking time: 7-10 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicken Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish that consists of skewered and grilled chicken. The dish is known for its delicious flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

History

Yakitori has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. The dish originated as a street food in Japan, where vendors would grill skewered chicken over charcoal and serve it to hungry customers. Over time, Yakitori has evolved into a popular dish that is enjoyed in restaurants and homes around the world.

Ingredients

1 clove of garlic, minced
1 piece of fresh ginger (2 inches), peeled and minced or use bottled minced ginger
0.5 cup of white wine vinegar
0.25 cup of soy sauce
mirin (sweet cooking rice wine) or brown sugar for sweetness
Cut the chicken breasts into strips

How to prepare

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except mirin or sugar and chicken.
2. Add mirin or brown sugar to achieve desired sweetness.
3. Add chicken and mix thoroughly using your hands.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Skewer the chicken and grill over medium-high charcoal for 7 to 10 minutes. Brush with sauce once during cooking.

Variations

Use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, for a different flavor and texture.
Add vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the skewers for added color and flavor.
Experiment with different marinades and sauces to create unique flavor profiles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Brush the chicken with sauce while grilling to add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Yakitori can be served as a main dish with steamed rice and a side of vegetables. It can also be served as an appetizer or as part of a Japanese-inspired meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling over charcoal is the traditional method for cooking Chicken Yakitori, but it can also be cooked on a stovetop grill or in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of the dish.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Yakitori can be marinated in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Yakitori on a platter with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Yakitori pairs well with a cold beer or sake, as well as a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Yakitori can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Yakitori contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Yakitori contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Yakitori contains approximately 3 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Yakitori contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Yakitori is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

Chicken Yakitori contains soy sauce, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Yakitori is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy option for a balanced diet.

Summary

Chicken Yakitori is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this flavorful Japanese dish in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chicken Yakitori. It was a warm summer evening, and I was visiting my friend Akemi in her quaint little village in Japan. Akemi was a fantastic cook and she had invited me to dinner at her home.

As I entered her kitchen, I was greeted by the most intoxicating aroma of grilled chicken skewers. Akemi smiled and motioned for me to sit down at the table. She handed me a skewer of perfectly grilled chicken and I took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - sweet, salty, and tangy all at once. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I begged Akemi to teach me how to make Chicken Yakitori and she graciously agreed. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. She explained that the key to a good Yakitori is to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour so that it can absorb all the delicious flavors.

Next, Akemi showed me how to skewer the chicken onto bamboo sticks and grill them over hot coals until they were perfectly charred and juicy. She taught me to baste the chicken with the leftover marinade as it cooked, creating a sticky glaze that caramelized on the chicken.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Akemi poured us each a glass of chilled sake. The combination of the savory chicken and the cold, crisp sake was pure bliss. I knew that I had to share this recipe with my family back home.

When I returned to America, I immediately set to work recreating Akemi's Chicken Yakitori recipe in my own kitchen. I tweaked the marinade slightly, adding a touch of garlic and ginger for extra flavor. I grilled the chicken on my trusty barbecue grill, carefully basting it with the marinade as it cooked.

The first time I served Chicken Yakitori to my family, they were blown away. They couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious and exotic. From that day on, Chicken Yakitori became a staple in our household, a dish that we would enjoy on special occasions and lazy summer evenings alike.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Chicken Yakitori with countless friends and family members. Each time, I pass on the story of how I learned to make this dish from my dear friend Akemi in Japan. I tell them of the warm summer evening, the intoxicating aroma, and the magical flavors that danced on my taste buds.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen preparing another batch of Chicken Yakitori for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences and memories that this recipe has brought into my life. It has connected me to a dear friend across the miles and has allowed me to share a taste of Japan with those I love.

As I take a bite of the perfectly grilled chicken skewer, I close my eyes and savor the sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. I am transported back to that warm summer evening in Akemi's kitchen, surrounded by the ones I hold dear. And in that moment, I am filled with a sense of contentment and joy that only good food and cherished memories can bring.