If you’re craving real Japanese flavor, this glazed japanese yakitori recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.
Yakitori features bite-sized pieces of chicken threaded onto skewers, grilled over high heat, and brushed with a glossy, sweet-savory soy glaze called tare.
Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 7 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Japanese dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- A reduced tare glaze clings to the chicken instead of running off, building layers of flavor with every brush.
- High-heat grilling chars the edges while keeping the bite-sized pieces juicy inside.
- Just seven ingredients and a grill make this an easy beginner project, ready in about 35 minutes.
- Makes 4 servings, perfect as an appetizer or a light meal with rice.
✅ Quick Tip: Simmer the tare sauce until it coats the back of a spoon — a thin sauce won’t cling to the chicken properly while grilling. Resist flipping too early — let the first side develop a proper sear before turning, which also makes food release from the grates naturally.
Serving Suggestions: Serve as an appetizer with a cold beer, or alongside rice for a light meal.
Glazed Japanese Yakitori
Ingredients:
Instructions
-
Before you start, gather and prep all 7 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
-
Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small saucepan.
-
Simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened into a glaze.
-
Thread chicken and green onion pieces alternately onto skewers.
-
Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
-
Brush generously with the tare glaze during the last few minutes of grilling, turning and basting until well coated and slightly caramelized.
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
-
Serve hot with any extra glaze on the side.
-
Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Glazed Japanese Yakitori.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 780mg33%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Simmer the tare sauce until it coats the back of a spoon - a thin sauce won't cling to the chicken properly while grilling. Resist flipping too early - let the first side develop a proper sear before turning, which also makes food release from the grates naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs stay juicier on the grill.
What is tare sauce?
It's a Japanese glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, simmered until slightly thickened.
Can I make yakitori indoors?
Yes, a hot grill pan or broiler works well if you don't have an outdoor grill.
