Charred Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled chicken skewers brushed with a sweet and savory tare glaze, capturing the essence of Japanese street food. This japanese-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends soy sauce, mirin, sake into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tbsp sake, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: Thread the 1 lb of cut chicken thighs onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grill with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting frequently with the tare sauce, until the chicken is cooked through and charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with any remaining tare sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce?

Japanese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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