Low Sodium Yakitori

Savor the flavorful simplicity of Low Sodium Yakitori, a healthier take on the classic Japanese grilled skewers. Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this recipe swaps traditional soy sauce for a low-sodium alternative while retaining the rich umami flavors you love. Tender, bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken thighs are paired with crisp green onions and grilled to perfection, offering a caramelized glaze of honey, garlic, and ginger for a subtly sweet and savory finish. Ready in under an hour, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings. Serve these smoky, char-grilled skewers alongside steamed rice and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal bursting with Japanese-inspired flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tbsp Low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tbsp Unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (grated)
• 4 stalks Green onions
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• 1 tsp Neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)
• 10 pieces Bamboo skewers

Directions

Step 1

Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill or stovetop.

Step 2

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. Set aside.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.

Step 4

Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade to use as a glaze later. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken pieces, tossing to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 5

While the chicken is marinating, cut the green onions into 1.5-inch pieces. These will be threaded onto the skewers with the chicken.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard the used marinade to avoid cross-contamination.

Step 7

Thread the chicken pieces and green onion pieces alternately onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Each skewer should have about 4-5 pieces of chicken, with green onion in between.

Step 8

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Lightly brush the grill grates or pan with the neutral oil to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.

Step 10

During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade over the skewers to create a slightly glossy glaze.

Step 11

Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. These pair well with steamed rice and a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(754.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1301.3

Total Fat 68.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 494.4mg	0%
Sodium 2114.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 40.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.1g	0%
Total Sugars 32.2g
Protein 124.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 115.0mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 1448.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.6%

Protein: 38.8%

Carbs: 12.6%