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

Indulge in the smoky, umami-rich flavors of Sugar-Free Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori Don (Momo Tare with Negi Shio), a healthier take on a Japanese comfort food favorite. This vibrant dish features juicy, bite-sized chunks of boneless chicken thighs and tender leeks, perfectly caramelized over a charcoal grill and coated in a sugar-free tare sauce made with low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, and a kiss of ginger and garlic. Served over a warm bed of fluffy rice with a bright splash of lemon, this yakitori don is both satisfying and guilt-free. The smoky aroma, lightly charred texture, and balance of savory, tangy notes make this recipe a low-sugar yet flavor-packed meal that's perfect for weeknights or backyard grilling sessions.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Boneless chicken thighs
• 4 Leeks (or green onions), white parts only
• 100 ml Low-sodium soy sauce
• 50 ml Mirin (sugar-free)
• 30 ml Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Grated ginger
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
• 2 cups Rice, cooked
• 4 Lemon wedges
• 8 Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks, around 1 inch each. Set aside.

Step 2

For the tare sauce, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3

Slice the white parts of the leeks into 1-inch pieces and separately set aside. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of sesame oil.

Step 4

Thread the chicken pieces and sliced leeks alternately onto the soaked skewers.

Step 5

Prepare a charcoal grill and heat until the coals are covered with white ash.

Step 6

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.

Step 7

Brush the skewers with the tare sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, making sure to coat them well and allow the sauce to slightly caramelize.

Step 8

Serve the skewers over a bowl of cooked rice, garnish with a lemon wedge, and optionally drizzle with extra sesame oil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1421.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1762.3

Total Fat 66.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 433.3mg	0%
Sodium 7560.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 173.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 127.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 325.8mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 1804.8mg	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: 33.0%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 38.6%