Authentic Tsukune Japanese Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Tsukune is a traditional Japanese dish made with juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs, skewered and grilled to perfection. This authentic recipe will guide you through the process of making these delicious meatballs, which are typically served with a sweet and savory tare sauce. Enjoy these Tsukune Japanese Chicken Meatballs as a main course or a delightful appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons sake
• 1 egg
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, soy sauce, mirin, sake, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator and divide it into equal portions. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape each portion into a smooth meatball.
6. Slide the meatballs onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space in between.
7. Place the skewered meatballs on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally, until they are cooked through and nicely charred.
8. While the meatballs are grilling, prepare the tare sauce by combining 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup mirin, 1/4 cup sake, and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
10. Remove the meatballs from the grill and brush them generously with the tare sauce on all sides.
11. Place the glazed meatballs back on the grill for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and forms a shiny glaze.
12. Serve the Tsukune Japanese Chicken Meatballs hot, garnished with extra green onions and cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!

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