Japanese Yakitori
Japanese Yakitori is a popular type of Japanese street food and izakaya dish consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken grilled on a skewer. The name literally translates to 'grilled bird,' and while chicken is the classic protein, variations can include vegetables like shishito peppers or negi (green onion). It is typically seasoned with either a sweet and savory soy-based sauce called 'tare' or simply with salt ('shio').
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Yakitori is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate dish, making it a lean source of energy. A typical serving provides a good amount of protein with a moderate calorie count, usually ranging from 250 to 400 kcal depending on the cut of chicken and sauce used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 28 µg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
Per 4 skewers (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, yakitori is a staple of Japanese 'izakaya' (pub) culture and is often enjoyed with beer or sake. Nutritionally, using lean cuts like chicken breast keeps it light, while the grilling method allows excess fat to drip away.
