Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatball Skewers)
Tsukune, or Japanese chicken meatball skewers, are savory, tender bites of seasoned chicken coated in a sweet and smoky tare sauce. A classic at yakitori grills, this dish is flavorful and easy to prepare at home, perfect for gatherings or a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken Meatballs
- 500 g Ground chicken preferably a mix of thigh and breast
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sake optional
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 2 stalks Green onion chopped
- 1 tsp Grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tare Sauce
- 4 tbsp Soy sauce
- 4 tbsp Mirin
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tbsp Sake optional
- Other
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil for grilling
- 8-10 Skewers soaked in water if wooden
Instructions
- Prepare the Tare Sauce
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake in a saucepan.
- Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sake, sugar, green onion, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until sticky and well combined.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into small oblong patties or balls.
- Skewer the Tsukune
- Thread the shaped chicken patties onto the prepared skewers.
- Grill the Tsukune
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat and brush with vegetable oil.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Baste with tare sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized and glossy.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg