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Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs) Recipe

Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)

Experience the delightful flavors of Tsukune, traditional Japanese chicken meatballs that are perfect for any occasion. Made from juicy ground chicken thighs and seasoned with a blend of mirin, soy sauce, and ginger, these meatballs are grilled to perfection and brushed with a sweet tare sauce. Whether you serve them as a delicious appetizer at your next gathering or as a satisfying main dish for a weeknight dinner, Tsukune is sure to impress family and friends alike. Their smoky flavor and tender texture, combined with a hint of sweetness, create a culinary experience that transports you straight to Japan.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 (8 skewers)

Ingredients

  • Ground chicken thighs
  • Panko bread crumbs
  • Mirin
  • Soy sauce
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Tare sauce ingredients (dark brown sugar, sake)

Instructions

  1. Make the Tare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine mirin, soy sauce, sake, dark brown sugar, garlic, scallions, ginger, and peppercorns. Boil then simmer until thickened.
  2. Prepare Meatballs: Mix ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, scallions, egg, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper in a bowl. Form into 1-inch meatballs and thread onto skewers.
  3. Grill Meatballs: Preheat grill; cook meatballs on each side until browned (about 10 minutes total). Brush with tare sauce during the last minute.
  4. Serve: Let rest briefly before serving with extra tare sauce.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 skewers (120g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Use ground chicken thighs for juicier meatballs. Rotate skewers regularly for even cooking. Customize by adding herbs or spices to the mixture.