Crafting Yakitori with United Noodles

Yakitori: Smoky Simplicity

In the heart of Japan's bustling street food scene, there's one dish that stands out for its simplicity and flavor: Yakitori. These skewers of grilled chicken, kissed by smoke and glazed with a savory-sweet sauce, are a testament to the power of minimal ingredients creating maximum pleasure. Today, I'm on a quest to recreate this culinary icon with the help of United Noodles, a mecca for those in pursuit of authentic Asian flavors.

The Art of Yakitori:

Yakitori is not just street food; it's a culinary art. Each skewer is a delicate balance of taste, texture, and technique. The chicken must be fresh, the grill just the right temperature, and the sauce a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and umami. This is food that demands you pay attention.

Ingredient Hunt at United Noodles:

United Noodles is like a treasure trove, and for Yakitori, it's where you find the gold. The first stop is the meat section for fresh chicken – thighs are my preference for their juiciness and flavor. Next, I pick up some scallions, essential for adding a sharp, bright contrast to the rich chicken.

But the real star here is the tare sauce ingredients. Soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a touch of sugar – these are the building blocks of that glossy, addictive glaze that defines Yakitori. And at United Noodles, you can find the real deal, ingredients that don't just mimic the flavors of Japan but embody them.

Prepping for Perfection:

Yakitori is about precision. I cut the chicken into even pieces, not too big, allowing for quick cooking and maximum sauce coverage. The scallions are cut into similar-sized pieces, ready to be alternated with chicken on the skewers. It's a simple preparation, but it's done with care and respect for the ingredients.

The Grill:

The grill is where Yakitori comes to life. It's not just about cooking the chicken; it's about infusing it with a subtle smokiness, that charred flavor that can't be replicated. The skewers are turned frequently, ensuring even cooking and the perfect char.

The Sauce:

While the chicken cooks, I simmer the tare sauce. Soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar meld together, reducing down to a thick, flavorful glaze. This sauce is brushed on the chicken in the final minutes of cooking, creating a glossy coat that's irresistibly savory with just the right hint of sweetness.

The Final Touch:

As I pull the skewers off the grill, the smell is intoxicating. I give them one final brush with the tare sauce and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi for a little heat. It's simple, but each bite is a journey through flavor and texture.

As I bite into my homemade Yakitori, I'm reminded of the nights in Tokyo, the buzz of the street food vendors, the laughter, the smoke. This is more than just chicken on a stick; it's a culinary journey, a taste of a culture that finds profound joy and satisfaction in the simple act of cooking and eating.

And it's all made possible by a place like United Noodles, where the world of Asian cuisine is at your fingertips, waiting for you to take the journey. So, grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and dive into the delicious world of Yakitori. It's an adventure worth taking.

Top Tips for Mastering Yakitori with United Noodles’ Ingredients 👊

Yakitori, those irresistible skewers of grilled chicken, are a culinary journey worth taking. With the right ingredients from United Noodles and a bit of culinary courage, you can bring this Japanese street food staple into your kitchen. Here are my top tips for making authentic Yakitori.

Choose the Right Chicken:

Opt for chicken thighs. They offer the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. At United Noodles, you'll find fresh, quality cuts just waiting to be skewered.

Skewer Like a Pro:

Bamboo skewers are your best bet. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. This small step makes a big difference.

Master the Tare Sauce:

The tare sauce is what sets Yakitori apart. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a hint of sugar. Look for authentic, high-quality ingredients at United Noodles to ensure each brush of tare is packed with flavor.

Keep It Even:

Cut your chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking. Each bite should be just as delicious and perfectly cooked as the last.

Don’t Rush the Grill:

Yakitori is about patience. Grill over medium heat and turn frequently for even cooking and that perfect char without burning.

Sauce at the Right Time:

Start brushing the tare on the chicken in the last few minutes of cooking. Multiple, light coats will build up a glossy, flavorful glaze without burning.

Add a Bit of Smoke:

If you can, use charcoal to grill your Yakitori. It adds a subtle smokiness that gas just can't replicate.

Spice It Up:

A sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice) adds a complex heat that beautifully complements the sweet and savory tare.

Don’t Forget the Veggies:

Skewers of negi (Japanese green onions) or shishito peppers between the chicken pieces add a fresh, slightly charred flavor that balances the richness.

Enjoy the Process:

Making Yakitori is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Savor the process, from selecting your ingredients at United Noodles to enjoying the smoky aroma of grilling chicken.

With these tips and the fantastic selection at United Noodles, you're ready to embark on a culinary adventure right in your backyard. Yakitori isn't just a dish; it's an experience, a taste of Japanese culture, and an exercise in the art of simplicity and flavor. So, light up that grill and let's get cooking!

Yakitori Recipe
with United Noodles’ Recommended Brands

Yakitori, a delightful Japanese skewered chicken dish, is known for its savory and subtly sweet flavors. It's crafted from marinated pieces of chicken, grilled to perfection. To embark on this culinary journey, head to United Noodles, where you'll find the freshest ingredients. Discover why its unique taste and aroma make Yakitori irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients:

• 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water

• 500g chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Spring onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Salt (Mortons Salt 26oz)

For the Tare Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce 16.9 oz)

• 1/2 cup mirin (Kikkoman Kotteri Mirin 20oz)

• 1/4 cup sake (Kikkoman Sake 1L)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 small piece of ginger, grated (Shirakiku Kizami Shoga 12oz.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Let it cool.

2. Skewer the Chicken: Preheat your grill or broiler. Thread the chicken and spring onions alternately onto the soaked skewers. Lightly salt the skewered chicken.

3. Grill the Yakitori: Place the skewers on the grill or under the broiler. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until nicely charred and cooked through. Regularly brush the chicken with the Tare sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling.

4. Final Touches: Once cooked, give a final generous brush of Tare sauce over the skewers. Optionally, sprinkle with a little extra salt or some sesame seeds.

5. Serve: Arrange the Yakitori on a plate and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade Yakitori, a simple yet delicious Japanese treat!

Check out some other of our favorite recipe variants:

1. RecipeTin Japan: Yakitori (Japanese Skewered Chicken)

2. Hungry Huy: Yakitori Recipe (Japanese Char-Grilled Chicken w/ Sauce)

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