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What is Yakitori? Authentic and Delicious Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

What is Yakitori? Authentic and Delicious Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Yakitori is a renowned grilled chicken skewer dish in Japanese street food. The dish is favored for its characteristic delicious aroma, especially suitable for gatherings with friends. With the detailed recipe guide Kamereo shares below, you can make authentic and delicious Yakitori right at home!

What is Yakitori?

Yakitori (焼き鳥) is a traditional Japanese grilled chicken skewer dish, using various parts such as breast, thigh, skin, liver, and giblets. The meat pieces are cut into bite-sized pieces, skewered onto bamboo or steel skewers (kushi – 串), and grilled over charcoal, often served with beer. Yakitori is also a general term for Japanese skewered grilled dishes.

Currently, Yakitori grilled skewers are served diversely at Yakitori-ya restaurants, Izakaya, or food stalls at festivals. Regarding seasoning, Yakitori is usually seasoned with salt or sauce and sometimes served with Ichimi pepper (seven-flavor chili), Japanese pepper powder, mustard, or peppercorns, depending on the diners’ preferences.

Yakitori is a traditional grilled chicken skewer dish, often served with beer in Japan
Yakitori is a traditional grilled chicken skewer dish, often served with beer in Japan

The Origin of Yakitori Grilled Chicken Skewers

Yakitori grilled chicken skewers originated from the change in the Japanese diet after the Meiji Restoration (1868), when chicken meat became a popular ingredient. Initially, skewered grilled stalls used chicken scraps to reduce costs, as chicken meat was still quite expensive at that time.

However, with the emergence of Yakiton (grilled pork) and Kushikatsu (deep-fried meat skewers) during the Taisho era, chicken farms began raising disease-resistant and low-cost chicken breeds, leading to the introduction of broiler chickens from the US after World War II. Around 1965, when Yakitori stalls developed strongly, the menu of this dish was completed as it is today.

Yakitori originated from utilizing chicken scraps after the Meiji Restoration
Yakitori originated from utilizing chicken scraps after the Meiji Restoration

Types of Yakitori

To create diversity and appeal, Yakitori is made from various parts of the chicken, offering unique taste experiences:

  • Negima Yakitori (chicken thigh): This is one of the most beloved types of Yakitori, combining chicken thigh (momo) with leek (negi). This combination creates a perfect balance between the sweetness of chicken and the mild spiciness of leek.
  • Nankotsu Yakitori (chicken cartilage): This dish uses cartilage taken from the spine between the two chicken breasts. Although it has little meat, Nankotsu scores points for its crunchy texture and abundant collagen content, providing an interesting experience for diners.
  • Reba Yakitori (chicken liver): For those who love rich flavors, Reba is a delicious, fatty grilled chicken liver skewer.
  • Tebasaki Yakitori (chicken wings): Golden crispy grilled chicken wings are a favorite of many. At eateries, Tebasaki is often served in pairs, ideal for enjoying with friends.
  • Torikawa Yakitori (chicken skin): Also known simply as Kawa, this dish uses fatty chicken skin, grilled until crispy. Torikawa is especially appealing to those who love fatty and crispy flavors.
  • Tsukune Yakitori (minced chicken): This is a meatball dish made from minced chicken, eggs, vegetables, and spices. Tsukune is often shaped into rounds or lengths, with a soft, moist texture and rich flavor.
  • Momo Yakitori (chicken thigh): Momo is a skewer made from tender and sweet chicken thigh pieces, very appealing.
Yakitori comes in many different types
Yakitori comes in many different types

In addition, Yakitori is also classified by seasoning methods, creating a variety of flavors:

  • With salt: This seasoning method helps preserve the natural flavor of the ingredients, often applied to chicken fillet, chicken wings, neck meat (Seseri), cartilage, and chicken gizzard.
  • With sauce: The characteristic sweet and salty sauce of Yakitori enhances the rich flavor of the dish, often used for Negima, Kawa, Tsukune, chicken liver, heart, etc.

How to Eat Yakitori Properly

Yakitori Japanese grilled chicken skewers are not bound by any eating rules. Some people like to remove the meat from the skewers before eating, while others believe this reduces the heat and flavor of the meat. Therefore, eating directly from the skewers is preferred by many to retain the full delicious flavor.

At typical Yakitori-ya shops, Yakitori is often sold per skewer or in pairs, with prices ranging from 100 to 200 yen per skewer. In addition, many restaurants also serve combination meals, including various types of Yakitori.

Yakitori has no strict eating rules, enjoy it comfortably according to personal preferences

How to Make Yakitori Grilled Chicken Skewers at Home

Making delicious Yakitori skewers with authentic Japanese flavor at home is not difficult, just prepare all the ingredients and follow these detailed steps:

Ingredients

  • Chicken thigh: 500gr
  • Green onion: 2 stalks
  • Ginger: 1 knob
  • Sesame oil: 15ml
  • Brown sugar: 2 teaspoons
  • Soy sauce: 1/2 cup
  • Mirin: 1/2 cup (a basic seasoning wine in Japanese cuisine)
  • Sake: 1/4 cup
  • Water: 1/4 cup
Yakitori chicken skewers with authentic Japanese flavor, easy to make at home
Yakitori chicken skewers with authentic Japanese flavor, easy to make at home

Purchase ingredients to make authentic Japanese Yakitori grilled chicken skewers at Kamereo:

Instructions

Yakitori is not only appealing for its characteristic delicious flavor but also for its meticulous and sophisticated preparation:

Step 1. Prepare the ingredients:

  • First, soak bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes, ensuring the skewers do not burn when grilled over charcoal.
  • Next, separate the white part of the green onions, and finely chop the green part.
  • Finally, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare soaked bamboo skewers, chop green onions, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces
Prepare soaked bamboo skewers, chop green onions, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces

Step 2. Prepare the sauce and skewer the chicken:

  • First, put the prepared ingredients including sesame oil, mirin, soy sauce, sake, water, sugar, ginger, and chopped green onions into a non-stick pan. Then, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  • Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Next, fold the chicken piece in half, skewer it onto the soaked bamboo skewers, and alternate the chicken and white part of the green onions. Each skewer should have about 4 slices of chicken and 3 pieces of onion.
  • You can grill the chicken in the oven, but Yakitori is most delicious and authentic when grilled over charcoal.
Yakitori sauce needs to be simmered over low heat for about 30 minutes
Yakitori sauce needs to be simmered over low heat for about 30 minutes

Step 3. Grill the chicken:

  • Grill the skewers for 6 minutes, then brush the sauce on both sides, grill for another 4 minutes until the chicken is just cooked.
  • Once the skewers are cooked, place them on a plate and brush with a final layer of sauce. When enjoying, depending on your preference, you can sprinkle with a little chili, seven-flavor chili, or peppercorns, or dip in tare sauce.
Grill the chicken skewers until cooked, brush with sauce, and enjoy hot with your favorite spices

Where to eat delicious Yakitori?

Here are some suggestions for places to enjoy delicious Yakitori, with a variety of options from luxurious restaurants to affordable eateries:

Izakaya Unatoto in Ho Chi Minh City

General information:

Izakaya Unatoto (Ho Chi Minh City): Specializing in eel rice and unique charcoal-grilled Yakitori

Izakaya Unatoto is an ideal destination for those who love Japanese cuisine, with its famous eel rice and Yakitori skewers. Here, diners can enjoy delicious eel and Yakitori skewers, grilled directly over charcoal, creating a crispy crust and tender meat.

Aka Ryu Yakitori in Ho Chi Minh City

General information:

Aka Ryu Yakitori (Ho Chi Minh City) stands out with happy hour deals from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Aka Ryu Yakitori offers a diverse Japanese culinary experience, from charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers to fresh sashimi. The ingredients here are carefully selected, ensuring the freshest flavors. The restaurant also has a happy hour promotion from 5 PM to 7 PM, with attractive deals on beer, wine, and cocktails.

Yakitori MoMichan in Hanoi

General information:

Yakitori MoMichan (Hanoi): Menu of 100 chicken dishes grilled with Himalayan pink salt over white charcoal
Yakitori MoMichan (Hanoi): Menu of 100 chicken dishes grilled with Himalayan pink salt over white charcoal

Yakitori MoMichan in Hanoi is famous for its menu of 100 chicken dishes. The unique feature of the restaurant is that the chicken is prepared right in front of customers without complicated marinating, only using Himalayan pink salt. The skewers at MoMichan are grilled over white charcoal, creating a distinctive flavor, tender meat, and smoky aroma.

Shamoji Robata Yaki in Hanoi

General information:

Shamoji Robata Yaki (Hanoi) impresses with its grilled dishes served on Shamoji spatulas
Shamoji Robata Yaki (Hanoi) impresses with its grilled dishes served on Shamoji spatulas

Shamoji Robata Yaki offers a unique culinary space, inspired by the bustling izakaya pubs of Japan. Here, diners have the opportunity to experience the traditional Robata Yaki grilling style, originating from the simple meals of fishermen at sea. The fragrant grilled dishes are served on giant Shamoji spatulas, creating a distinctive culinary culture that attracts.

Omoide Yokocho in Japan

General information:

Omoide Yokocho (Japan): Old street with 80 shops, specializing in grilled dishes
Omoide Yokocho (Japan): Old street with 80 shops, specializing in grilled dishes

Located near the west exit of Shinjuku Station, Tokyo, Omoide Yokocho is a nostalgic street, formed from a spontaneous post-war market. Currently, on an area of about 2000 square meters, Omoide Yokocho has about 80 shops, including 60 restaurants specializing in grilled dishes such as motsuyaki and yakitori. The bustling atmosphere and unique ancient features have made this place an attractive destination for foreign tourists.

Yurakucho in Japan

General information:

Yurakucho (Japan): “Gado-shita” area with casual Izakaya and Yakitori bars

Yurakucho is another vibrant area of Tokyo, famous for its izakaya and yakitori bars located under the railway bridges, called “gado-shita”. These eateries are a familiar destination for local business people, attracted by the cozy atmosphere and affordable prices. Yurakucho offers a typical street food experience, different from the bustle of Omoide Yokocho.

Nakasu in Japan

General information:

Nakasu (Japan): Entertainment island with Izakaya bars and riverside yakitori stalls

Nakasu is a bustling entertainment island in Hakata City, Japan, with many nightclubs, izakaya bars, and other entertainment venues. In particular, visitors can enjoy street foods such as steamed buns and grilled yakitori skewers at riverside yatai stalls. In addition, Seiryu Park is also an ideal destination for concerts, night markets, and sightseeing from the ancient lantern tower.

Kamereo – Supplier of Yakitori ingredients at good prices

Kamereo is a wholesale food platform and a strategic partner of Gyomu Japan, Japan’s leading domestic supermarket chain, providing genuine, high-quality Japanese standard ingredients. With a rigorous quality control process and modern storage facilities, Kamereo confidently ensures that products always meet the best quality standards when they reach customers.

Kamereo: Gyomu Japan's strategic partner, providing Japanese standard ingredients
Kamereo: Gyomu Japan’s strategic partner, providing Japanese standard ingredients

In addition, Kamereo helps businesses optimize their procurement process through comprehensive supply solutions, accompanied by guaranteed quality and fast delivery speed. On the other hand, we also own a diverse product portfolio of over 3000 types, allowing businesses to work with only one supply partner, thereby saving costs and optimizing time.

In addition, at Kamereo, customers can easily update product prices online on the application and website. Our staff also proactively send monthly price quotes, allowing customers to quickly grasp an overview of product price changes, thereby easily tracking and controlling budgets.

In particular, Kamereo supports businesses to place orders until 12:00 PM and receive goods before 6:00 AM the next day. We also score points with our co-inspection policy upon receipt, ensuring product quality is always in the best condition when it reaches customers.

Best-selling Japanese standard domestic products at Kamereo:

Participate in the exclusive Flavors of Japan event co-organized by Kamereo and Gyomu Japan in Hanoi, promising to provide F&B businesses with the opportunity to access Japanese standard ingredients and optimal, sustainable procurement solutions.

Conclusion

In general, Yakitori is an attractive street food, not only expressing the essence of Japanese cuisine but also easy to prepare at home. To have delicious, flavorful Yakitori skewers, you can find quality, good-priced ingredients at Kamereo. At the same time, don’t forget to follow the Food and Lifestyle section to update more unique and useful recipes.

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As a content writer with a deep passion for culinary culture, I constantly seek inspiration from real-life experiences and innovations in the F&B industry. I believe that cuisine is not merely a story of flavors but also a reflection of culture, creativity, and social trends. Through each article, I hope to provide readers with valuable information and inspiration on the Kamereo website.View Author posts