Japanese Tsukune (Grilled Chicken Meatballs with Sesame Seeds)
Japanese tsukune chicken meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich sweet-savory glaze. Commonly served as part of yakitori, they are grilled on skewers and enjoyed as a flavorful street-style dish.In this version, toasted sesame seeds are added at the end to bring a light crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the glaze beautifully.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground chicken (thigh preferred)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake (or water)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the glaze (tare sauce):
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sake
For topping:
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- chopped green onions, optional
Instructions
Prepare the mixture
In a bowl, combine ground chicken, green onions, soy sauce, sake, ginger, egg, breadcrumbs, and sesame oil. Mix until smooth and slightly sticky.Shape the meatballs
Lightly wet your hands and form small oval or round meatballs. For a traditional look, shape them onto skewers.Cook the meatballs
Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned.Alternatively, cook in a pan over medium heat until golden on all sides.Prepare the glaze
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. Simmer until slightly thickened.Glaze and caramelize
Brush the sauce over the meatballs during the last minutes of cooking. Turn them to coat evenly and allow the glaze to caramelize.Add sesame topping
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the hot meatballs just before serving. This adds a nutty flavor and a slight crunch.
Notes
Please note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.
Nutritional Facts/serving:
Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 16 g | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Sugar: 6 g | Sodium: Moderate