Miso Pork and Vegetable Skewers
Miso Pork and Vegetable Skewers, or *Yakitori* style *Kushiyaki*, are a popular Japanese dish where marinated pork and vegetables are grilled on skewers. The dish typically features bite-sized pieces of pork belly or loin, bell peppers, onions, and scallions, all coated in a savory-sweet miso glaze made from fermented soybean paste, mirin, and sake. It is a staple of Japanese street food and *Izakaya* (pub) culture, often served as a shared appetizer or a casual meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, primarily from the pork, and provides a good balance of fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. A typical serving of two skewers (around 150g) contains approximately 300-350 calories, with significant amounts of B vitamins, iron, and potassium, though it can be moderately high in sodium due to the miso marinade.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 210 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.2 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
Per 2 skewers (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The fermentation process of miso not only adds a deep umami flavor but also provides probiotics and antioxidants, making it a nutritionally rich ingredient. Culturally, these skewers are a symbol of Japanese communal dining, often enjoyed with beer or sake during evening gatherings, and the grilling technique is a key part of Japanese culinary tradition.
