Hey there, friends! If you’re on the lookout for a quick and easy dinner option that’s packed with tons of flavor, then you’re in for a treat! This delicious Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Skewers) comes together in about 30 minutes, and guess what? You’ll be whipping up this meal all on the grill for a fun cooking experience that your family will absolutely love! You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making this a perfect option for a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal!
Ingredients Breakdown
Wondering what you need to make this amazing dish? Let’s dive into the pantry and see what we’ve got!
- 1 lb of ground chicken
- 2 green onions
- 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
- Soy Sauce : 2 tablespoons
- Mirin : 1 tablespoon
- Sake : 1 tablespoon
- Sugar : 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Salt and Pepper
- Bamboo Skewers
For Tare Glaze
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
This tare glaze is where the magic happens, it’ll make your skewers sticky and delicious! You can also make this without the glaze if you’re in a hurry, but really, you don’t wanna skip it!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to make these mouthwatering Tsukune? I can’t wait to share how simple it is!
Step 1: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix everything well, using your hands (trust me, it’s the best way to get everything combined)! It should feel sticky and somewhat cohesive, about a minute or two of mixing will do the trick.
Step 2: Shape Them
Once your mixture is well combined, form it into small oval patties, picture the size of a small meatball, maybe a little flatter. This is where the fun begins!
Step 3: Skewer Time
Now, thread those patties onto the bamboo skewers! You should fit about 2-3 patties on each skewer. Remember not to pack them too tightly; they need a little breathing room to cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill ‘Em Up
Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium heat, because we want those amazing char marks! Place the skewers on the grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re cooked through and have that beautiful golden gloss.
Step 5: Make the Tare Glaze
While those skewers are grilling, let’s make that fabulous tare glaze! In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat, stir occasionally until it thickens a bit. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom to get all that flavor!
Step 6: Brush and Serve
As your skewers are nearing doneness, brush that delicious tare glaze over them. The smell, oh, it’s absolutely heavenly! Cook for another minute or so to let everything meld together. Serve them hot, preferably with some extra glaze on the side for dipping!
Why I Adore This Recipe
Let me tell you—this is my go-to recipe when I need to whip up something satisfying and scrumptious in a hurry! I’m a real sucker for comfort food, especially when it requires minimal effort but still packs a punch in flavor! The best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got lying around in your fridge, so there’s really no excuse to not give it a try.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Japanese Pork Curry, my Gyoza (Asian Dumplings), or my Fish-Shaped Cake!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, which is so perfect for busy weeknights! It’s a fast and fuss-free meal that still feels special.
Customizable
Got a different protein on hand? Ground turkey or even beef can work, or make it vegetarian with some firm tofu! You can also throw in whatever veggies you have left, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be fantastic!
Budget-Friendly
With affordable and everyday ingredients, this budget-friendly meal won’t break the bank! You likely already have most of these ingredients stocked in your pantry.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prep the skewers in advance! Just put them in the fridge, and grill them right before dinner for a super quick meal.
Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor and perfect for sharing! Whether it’s family dinner or a backyard BBQ, the whole family (even picky eaters!) will be coming back for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful chicken skewers are amazing on their own but can be served with a variety of sides! Try pairing them with a simple cucumber salad, fluffy jasmine rice, or some grilled veggies. Drizzle any extra tare glaze over the top, and you’ll be in heaven!
Storage
These skewers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop them in an airtight container once they cool down completely.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or toss them back on the grill for a couple of minutes. You can also microwave them if you’re in a hurry, but they won’t have quite the same delicious flavor as when freshly grilled.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked patties! Just form them, skewer them, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. You can grill them from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
So there you have it! A delightful, quick, and easy recipe for Tsukune that’s packed with flavor and fun! You really can’t go wrong. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or want to impress at your next gathering, these chicken skewers are the way to go! Ready to get cooking? Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Tsukune
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix well, using your hands until the mixture is sticky.
- Form the mixture into small oval patties, about the size of small meatballs.
- Thread the patties onto bamboo skewers, fitting about 2-3 patties per skewer.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium heat. Place skewers on the grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden.
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, stirring occasionally for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Brush the tare glaze over the skewers in the last minute of cooking. Serve hot, with extra glaze on the side for dipping.