Yakitori
Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish of bite-sized chicken pieces grilled on skewers over charcoal, typically seasoned with either a savory-sweet tare sauce or simple salt. The name literally means 'grilled bird,' and it's a staple of izakaya pubs and street food stalls across Japan.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Yakitori is a high-protein, low-carb dish, with a typical serving of two skewers providing around 200-300 calories. The primary nutrients are lean protein from the chicken, with minimal fat unless skin-on cuts are used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 mcg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
Per 4 skewers (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, yakitori is a beloved social food, often enjoyed with drinks in casual settings, and its preparation is considered an art form, with different parts of the chicken (like heart, liver, and cartilage) being prized for their unique textures and flavors.
