Yakitori Guide: Flavourful Japanese Skewers You’ll Love

Juicy, smoky, and packed with umami—yakitori is Japan’s answer to the perfect grilled bite. But what is yakitori, and how can you bring its magic to your own kitchen? Let’s explore this beloved Japanese street food and the delicious ideas behind it.

What Is Yakitori?

Yakitori (焼き鳥) literally means “grilled chicken,” but it’s more than just meat on a stick. It’s a Japanese cooking technique where skewered chicken is grilled over charcoal and basted with a tare sauce or lightly seasoned with salt.

This popular izakaya dish offers endless variations, from tender thigh meat to crispy skin, juicy meatballs (tsukune), or even chicken liver for adventurous eaters.

Yakitori 焼き鳥 Negima Recipe by bistro naomi - 尚美食堂
No Yakitori restaurants around unless going into NYC then charged over $100... No way! Let’s Make it at home!

Chicken Yakitori vs. Beef Yakitori

While traditionally chicken-based, modern interpretations include beef yakitori, using thinly sliced cuts like ribeye or sirloin, often paired with leeks or sweet soy glaze. This twist makes yakitori more accessible globally and opens doors to new flavour profiles.

Izakaya Style At Home! Bamboo Shoot And Shiso Leaf Tsukune Patty Skewers Recipe by cookpad.japan
I love the tsukune patties served at izakaya (traditional Japanese gastropubs), so I wanted to try it at least once with bamboo shoots! The skewers cook faster and don’t burn as easily if you mold the patties into flat shapes. There is a generous amount of sauce, so adjust to your preference. The mi…

Chicken Yakitori

The classic. Use thigh meat for tenderness or go for chicken wings, hearts, or liver if you're feeling traditional. Pair it with a rich yakitori sauce or a pinch of sea salt.

Yakitori (Chicken On Skewer) Recipe by Japanese cooking with Makiko
Yakitori is one of the most popular foods in Japan, found on the menu of izakaya restaurants, pre-cooked sold in supermarkets and of course you can make it at home! Usually cooked over charcoal or direct fire, but this recipe is cooked in a pan - easy!

Yakitori Tsukune (Chicken Meatballs)

These skewered meatballs are a Japanese street food favorite. They’re often brushed with tare sauce and grilled until glazed and golden.

Tsukune Japanese Style Chicken Meatballs 🍡 Recipe by Yui Miles
Here is my take on Tsukune recipe adapted from @Kitchen Flowers. Me and Emily were cooking this yummy meatballs live on IGTV live today. This recipe can be adapted in to making burger meat japanese style. But for today’s version I served it with rice and pickled veggies #japanesefood #chickenmeatbal…

Beef Yakitori

Not as traditional, but equally delicious. Use tender cuts of beef, grilled quickly over high heat, with a soy-based glaze or sesame seasoning.

Ground Meat Tsukune Style Patties Recipe by ゆみたろさん
This is an easy recipe you can make with just ground meat. It’s convenient for breakfast or as a lunchbox side dish. The origin of this recipe When making breakfast, I only had ground meat in the fridge... I didn’t want to deal with onions in the morning. So, I tried making a hamburger-like dish wit…

Vegetable Yakitori

Perfect for plant-based eaters or to serve alongside meats. Think shiitake mushrooms, scallions, eggplant, or even tofu cubes, lightly brushed with sauce before grilling.

Grilling Tips – How to Cook Yakitori Without a Fuss

Wondering how to get that perfect char without special equipment? Here’s how to make it work with whatever grill you’ve got:

Use the Right Grill for Yakitori

Traditionally, yakitori is grilled over binchotan charcoal in a narrow rectangular grill. But at home, a stovetop griddle, oven broiler, or even an electric grill can work.

  • Use metal or soaked bamboo skewers
  • Preheat the grill for even searing
  • Rotate often for even cooking
  • Brush with yakitori sauce near the end to avoid burning
Tsukune No Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs With Teriyaki Sauce Recipe by Santy Coy
#GoldenApron23 #dinner #groundchicken #chickenmince #Japanesesatay #springonion #japanesejam #ginger #sake #eggyolk #teriyaki #mirin #japanesesoysauce #sugar #onion #garlic #cookpadUKrecipe #recipe #cooking #cook #foodblogger #chef #handmade #homecooking #coopadtv #yummyrecipe #foodie #tasty #delici…

Yakitori Sauce – Quick Glaze Ideas

Don’t have traditional tare? Try these quick flavor ideas:

  • Soy + honey + garlic
  • Miso + mirin + sesame oil
  • Sweet chili + lime for a spicy twist

These sauces can be brushed on during grilling or served as a dipping sauce.

Sweet & Savory Yakitori And Teriyaki Sauce Recipe by cookpad.japan
My mother taught me this sweet and salty sauce before I was married. Adding and boiling the water mellows out the soy sauce and creates a nicely mild sauce. Of course you can use this sauce for yakitori or teriyaki, but you can also stretch out it’s uses to include tempura rice bowls or breaded cutl…

FAQ: Common Yakitori Questions

What is yakitori made of? Traditionally chicken, but modern versions include beef, vegetables, and even tofu.

Do I need a special grill for yakitori? Not necessarily. A charcoal yakitori grill offers the best flavour, but a regular grill, pan, or oven broiler can work too.

Is yakitori spicy? Usually no—but you can add spice using shichimi togarashi or spicy dipping sauces.

What’s the difference between chicken yakitori and tsukune? Chicken yakitori uses whole meat cuts, while yakitori tsukune features seasoned ground chicken formed into meatballs.

Teriyaki Chicken And Leek Skewers 🍢 (Yakitori) Recipe by Yui Miles
I got some leeks (which is a seasonal vegetable in the uk at the moment) in the fridge and thought of some yummy bbq recipe to have and I have homemade teriyaki sauce made at the weekend. This is a really easy recipe that you can make in 20 mins!! #seasonalcooking #teriyaki #chickenteriyaki #leek #l…

Yakitori isn’t just a dish—it’s a whole experience. From smoky skewers straight off the grill to dipping sauces that transform every bite, this is one Japanese idea that’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you're planning a BBQ, cozy dinner, or a playful party platter, yakitori delivers.

Try chicken, beef, or tsukune. Mix in bold sauces. Grill your own story!

Find your favorite yakitori recipe on Cookpad, or show us your own!

Savory Yakitori Recipes: Grill Your Way to Flavor
Satisfy your cravings with juicy, grilled yakitori. Explore classic and creative recipes for a delicious meal today!