Hot summer evenings call for cooking outside. Try these fun, grilled yakitori skewers paired with a slightly chilled red wine.
The bright acidity and light profile of Bonterra’s Young Red ($16) shows best when served chilled, and its fresh style and lively fruit flavors make for a tantalizing pairing to anything with a touch of spice and smoke, such as yakitori skewers, which combine sweet and heat, tamed on the palate by the fruit-forward flavors of the wine.
These slightly sweet, caramelized, smoky skewers, Bonterra Young Red will cool both you and your palate down on a hot summer night. Add a zippy and refreshing tomato, cucumber and watermelon salad to complement the Young Red’s red fruity and berry notes. 
Yakitori Skewers and Red Wine
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Succulent chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, then basted in a rich, sweet-savory glaze. Pairs perfectly with a crisp red wine.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cups (79 ml) brown sugar
- 1/3 cups (79 ml) mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/3 cups (79 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cups (59 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 knob fresh ginger (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 8 boneless (skinless chicken thighs)
- 2 Meyer lemons (thinly sliced with zest reserved)
- 1 small bunch chives
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger in a small saucepot.
- Remove ½ cup of the marinade and combine with the chicken in a resealable plastic bag. Marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Simmer the remaining marinade until reduced to a thin syrup. Set aside.
- Remove chicken from marinade and thread onto skewers, alternating with Meyer lemon slices.
- Grill over high heat, basting with marinade and turning occasionally, until well caramelized and fully cooked.
- Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with lemon zest, snipped chives, and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For easier grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken.
- If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with a mix of 1 tablespoon of dry sherry and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Store leftover skewers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat works best for yakitori skewers?
Chicken is the traditional choice for yakitori, but you can also use pork or beef depending on your preference.
How can I achieve a smoky flavor if I’m using a grill pan?
While a grill pan won’t provide the same smoky flavor as an outdoor grill, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade for added depth.
What should I serve alongside the yakitori skewers?
A refreshing tomato, cucumber, and watermelon salad pairs well, as it complements the fruity notes of the Bonterra Young Red wine.
