Yakitori: Grilled Chicken on Skewers

Japanese food · grilled · skewer cooking · street food

Charcoal grilled magic. Yakitori cooks over hot charcoal fire, which gives the chicken a smoky flavor and crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy. The heat caramelizes the outer surface perfectly.

Skewered and sizzling. The word 'yakitori' means 'grilled chicken,' and the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and threaded onto wooden or metal skewers before cooking. This makes it easy to cook evenly and eat with your hands.

Tare sauce coat. Most yakitori is brushed with a shiny tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar, and spices. Some yakitori is simply salted instead, letting the smoky flavor shine through.

Street food favorite. Yakitori is beloved as Japanese street food and is sold at festivals, restaurants, and food carts throughout Japan. It's often enjoyed with a cold drink and eaten right off the skewer.

More than just breast. Yakitori can use different chicken parts like thighs, wings, skin, and liver, not just plain chicken breast. Each part has its own unique taste and texture when grilled.