Soy-Free Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori Don (Momo Tare with Negi Shio)

Experience the smoky, savory charm of a Japanese favorite with this Soy-Free Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori Don (Momo Tare with Negi Shio). Perfect for those avoiding soy, this recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection over charcoal, infusing them with an irresistible charred aroma. The rich tare sauce, made with honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and garlic, delivers a sweet and tangy punch without the need for soy-based ingredients. Topped with a fragrant negi shio—a simple yet flavorful green onion and sesame oil relish—this dish is served over a bed of fluffy short-grain rice for a comforting, well-rounded meal. Ideal for summer grilling or a cozy family dinner, this soy-free yakitori don strikes the perfect balance of umami and freshness.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 5 stalks Green onions (scallions)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
• 2 cups Short-grain rice
• 2.5 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2

Rinse and drain the rice thoroughly. Place it in a rice cooker or a pot with the measured water. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken marinade by mixing rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Step 4

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5

Finely slice the green onions and combine with kosher salt. Crush slightly with the back of a spoon to release flavors, then add sesame oil and stir to combine. Set aside as negi shio (green onion salt).

Step 6

Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.

Step 7

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers.

Step 8

Grill the chicken skewers over charcoal, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 9

Once the rice is cooked, let it steam for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 10

To assemble the Yakitori Don, serve a portion of steamed rice in a bowl, place 2-3 chicken skewers on top, and generously sprinkle with negi shio.

Step 11

Serve immediately and enjoy your Soy-Free Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori Don!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1643.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1753.0

Total Fat 79.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.7g
Cholesterol 433.3mg	0%
Sodium 2133.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 154.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.8g	0%
Total Sugars 35.6g
Protein 110.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 177.3mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 1274.2mg	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: 40.2%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 34.8%