Vegetarian Yakitori

Elevate your plant-based grilling game with this delightful Vegetarian Yakitori recipe, a vibrant twist on the classic Japanese dish. Tender cubes of firm tofu, savory baby bella mushrooms, crisp zucchini rounds, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic green onions are threaded onto skewers, then basted with a rich, umami-packed tare glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and just a hint of garlic and ginger. Grilled to smoky perfection with subtle caramelization, these skewers are as visually striking as they are flavorful. Perfect as an appetizer or served alongside steamed rice for a complete meal, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for vegetarians and anyone seeking a lighter, healthier take on grilled yakitori. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch of nutty goodness!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g Firm tofu
• 200 g Baby bella mushrooms
• 1 medium Zucchini
• 1 large Red bell pepper
• 5 stalks Green onions
• 120 ml Soy sauce
• 60 ml Mirin
• 60 ml Sake
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar (or maple syrup for refined sugar-free)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (optional)
• 12 pieces Wooden skewers (soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu for 15–20 minutes to remove excess water. Then cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

Prepare the vegetables: Cut the baby bella mushrooms in half, slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds, cut the bell pepper into 1-inch squares, and trim the green onions into 2-inch lengths.

Step 3

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Once removed from heat, stir in sesame oil to finish the tare glaze.

Step 4

Thread the tofu and vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between ingredients for variety and visual appeal.

Step 5

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Brush the yakitori skewers generously with the tare glaze, ensuring all components are well coated.

Step 7

Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes on each side, brushing with more tare glaze as they cook, until the vegetables are lightly charred and the tofu is golden.

Step 8

Transfer the skewers to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm, pairing with steamed rice or as a standalone appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1447.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1108.3

Total Fat 39.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6644.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.5g	0%
Total Sugars 87.9g
Protein 66.3g	0%

Vitamin D 14IU	0%
Calcium 876.1mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 3064.0mg	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: 32.7%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 42.9%