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Yakitori Style Tsukune 焼き鳥スタイルのつくね (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)

Juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs glazed in a savory-sweet sauce—Tsukune is one of Japan’s favorite yakitori dishes. Usually enjoyed fresh off the grill at yakitori restaurants or izakaya, this homestyle version brings the same cozy izakaya vibe to your kitchen. With just a frying pan and a few pantry-friendly ingredients, you can easily make restaurant-style tsukune at home. Perfect for dinner, entertaining friends, or pairing with a glass of sake!
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Servings: 4 skewers
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp sake
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 pound chicken breast and/or thigh
  • 1/4 small onion
  • 1 piece small ginger
  • 2 tsp Kewpie mayonnaise
  • 4 skewers
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • shichimi hot pepper (optional)

Method
 

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon each of sake, mirin, and soy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and dissolve the sugar.
  2. Cut roughly 1/2 pound of chicken breast and/or thigh and ground the meat with food processor. if you use ground chicken available in stores, you can skip this step.
  3. Finely chop 1/4 small onion.
  4. Grate a small piece of ginger. No need to peel the skin of the ginger.
  5. Mix ginger, onion, and chicken well. Add 2 teaspoon mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo is recommended).
  6. Divide the meat mixture into four pieces, and make a form around the skewer.
  7. Heat up the frying pan and add oil. Add the chicken skewers. Flip when the bottom gets brown. Cover with a lid, and keep cooking for approximately 3 minutes with medium heat.
  8. When both sides get brown, add the sauce. Coat the chicken with the sauce very well.
    It's ready!  We hope you enjoy your "TOKYO FLAVORS, NEW YORK STYLE" meal!  Itadakimasu!

Notes

This recipe is adapted for easy home cooking by using a frying pan instead of a grill. A touch of Kewpie mayonnaise helps keep the tsukune moist and tender.  
Serve tsukune hot, brushed with extra sauce, and sprinkle with shichimi (Japanese chili powder) for a spicy kick if you prefer. Enjoy with warm rice or a crisp side salad. They also pair wonderfully with a cold beer or sake for a true izakaya experience.