Save to Pinterest Tender, flavorful chicken meatballs glazed with a sweet&savory yakitori sauce and grilled on skewers is perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Japanese Yakitori Meatball Skewers offer a delightful combination of savory, umami flavors and juicy texture that makes them irresistible.
I vividly remember serving yakitori meatball skewers at a family gathering, and watching guests compete for seconds. The blend of grilled chicken and glossy sauce was a huge hit, making it one of my go-to recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken (thigh preferred): 500 g
- Green onions: 2, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
- Panko breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons
- Egg: 1 large
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (meatballs) + 80 ml (sauce)
- Sake: 1 tablespoon (meatballs) + 2 tablespoons (sauce)
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Mirin: 60 ml
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Bamboo or metal skewers: soaked if bamboo
- Sliced green onions: optional, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds: optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Yakitori Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine all yakitori sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5&7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, green onions, garlic, ginger, panko, egg, soy sauce, sake, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape Meatballs:
- With damp hands, shape the mixture into 20&24 small meatballs (about 1.5 tablespoons each).
- Thread Meatballs:
- Thread 3&4 meatballs onto each skewer, pressing gently to secure.
- Preheat and Oil Grill:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil grates lightly.
- Grill Meatballs:
- Grill skewers for 3&4 minutes per side, turning to brown all sides.
- Glaze with Sauce:
- Brush generously with yakitori sauce and grill 1&2 minutes more, turning and brushing again until glazed and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Sharing these skewers with my family, especially on summer evenings, brings back joyful memories around the table. Everyone enjoys building their own meatball skewers before grilling together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, saucepan, grill or grill pan, skewers, brush for glazing.
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce), egg, gluten (soy sauce, panko, mirin). For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free panko/mirin. Always double-check product labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 270, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 28 g per serving.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Yakitori meatball skewers are a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that stays juicy and flavorful. Grill, glaze, and enjoy the best of Japanese home cooking!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken and delivers a similar texture and taste for the skewers.
- → How do I prevent meatballs from falling off the skewers?
Shape the meatballs firmly and press gently onto the skewers, ensuring damp hands to help maintain consistency.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Add a pinch of chili flakes or extra ginger to increase depth and a touch of heat in your yakitori glaze.
- → What can I serve with these skewers?
Steamed rice and pickled vegetables are superb companions, balancing the sweet-savory notes and providing a complete meal.
- → Are these skewers a good appetizer for parties?
Yes, the small, individual skewers make them easy to serve as finger food and perfect for gatherings or main meals.