Attention all food lovers! Are you ready to elevate your mealtime with an unforgettable Japanese dish? Yakitori Negima is the answer. Imagine juicy, grilled chicken paired with the crisp sweetness of scallions, all on a skewer that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress both family and friends.
What is Yakitori Negima?
In Japanese, “yakitori” translates to “grilled chicken,” while “negima” refers to skewers of chicken alternated with pieces of negi (Japanese long onions or scallions). The balance between the tender chicken and the slightly sweet, crisp onions creates a delicious combination that’s often served at izakayas (Japanese pubs) or as street food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy and Light: Grilled chicken and fresh onions make it a nutritious option.
- Customizable: Use your choice of chicken thigh or breast and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thigh or breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
For the Tare (Yakitori Sauce):
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 5 tablespoons mirin
- 3 tablespoons sake
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Skewers
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour to prevent burning.
- Alternate pieces of chicken and scallions on the skewers. Set aside.
2. Make the Tare Sauce
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens (about 10–12 minutes). Set aside half the sauce for basting and the other half for dipping.
3. Grill the Yakitori
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F–375°F).
- Brush the skewers generously with the tare sauce. Place them on the grill and cook for about 7–8 minutes, turning and basting occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Pro Tips for Perfect Yakitori Negima
- Use a Metal Bread Pan: Heat the tare sauce on the grill in a metal pan for easy dipping. This method coats the skewers evenly and avoids messy basting.
- Don’t Grill in the Dark: Good lighting ensures you cook the skewers to perfection without overcooking or burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Yakitori Negima with steamed sushi rice, miso soup, or a side of pickled vegetables for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.
Why Tare Sauce Steals the Show
The sweet and savory tare sauce, made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake, caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s a quintessential flavor of Japanese cuisine and elevates the dish to restaurant-quality standards.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 418
- Protein: 46g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 11g
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this Yakitori Negima Recipe will delight your taste buds and wow your dinner guests. Try it out, and bring a touch of Japan to your dining table tonight!