Name: Glazed Japanese Chicken Meatballs on Skewers
Yield: Makes 16 meatballs on 8 skewers
Ingredients: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup dry sake; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, plus more, for seasoning; 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken or turkey, preferably dark meat; 1 tablespoon minced shallot; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 small clove); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; Sesame seeds; Thinly sliced scallion greens; Steamed rice (optional)

Glazed Japanese Chicken Meatballs on SkewersDavid Malosh

These skewered meatballs are a quintessential Japanese bar food, a great drinking snack that can be turned into a larger meal with rice. Flavored with plenty of garlic and ginger and brushed with a sweet-and-savory soy glaze, these meatballs are a great defense of ground chicken, which can be bland if not seasoned well.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 16 meatballs on 8 skewers

Ingredients

Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup dry sake

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, plus more, for seasoning

Meatballs:

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken or turkey, preferably dark meat

1 tablespoon minced shallot

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 small clove)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For serving:

Sesame seeds

Thinly sliced scallion greens

Steamed rice (optional)

Preparation

For the sauce:
Step 1
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sake, sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil. Boil over high heat until thickened to a glaze, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and season with a fresh splash of vinegar, if you like.
For the meatballs:
Step 2
Preheat the grill for at least 10 minutes, preparing to grill over moderately high heat, and soak 8 double-pronged bamboo skewers or 16 single skewers in water.
Step 3
In a bowl, use your hands to mix together all of the ingredients except for the sesame seeds and scallion greens.
Step 4
Form the meat mixture into 16 meatballs. Thread the meatballs onto the skewers, leaving just a little space in between and flatten slightly.
Step 5
Oil the grates well and grill the meatball skewers until light grill marks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and grill for 2 minutes longer, until the outside of the meatballs looks cooked.
Step 6
Brush the sauce over the meatballs, flip and brush the other side. Flip them and brush them with the sauce constantly for about 1 minute, until glazed and cooked through. If the sauce darkens too quickly, reduce the heat or move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill.
To serve:
Step 7
Transfer the skewers to a platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve over rice, if desired.

TagsSkewer Meatball Japanese East Asian Asian Ground Chicken Chicken Poultry Ginger Herbs & Spices Main Starter Snack Dinner Dairy Free Nut Free Grilling Epicurious

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Our 57 Favorite Meatball Recipes
We couldn't pick just one—and you shouldn't have to, either.
The Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Alternative (and How to Cook With It)
This coconut-based condiment adds a rich, savory flavor to a range of dishes.
The Best Japanese-Inspired Recipes for Your Grill
It's time to mix up your grilling routine.
Food on Sticks
From s'mores to kebabs, food's better when it's on a stick.
Knockout Snacks for Fight Night
From heavyweight to lightweight, these snacks will will be the hits of your fight night party.
Simple and Delicious Japanese
Stock up on daikon radish, soba noodles, and soy sauce, and bring the flavors of Japan home with these easy recipes.