Beef Yakitori

A classic Japanese grilled dish featuring tender pieces of marinated beef and green onions skewered and grilled to perfection. The meat is marinated in a savory-sweet sauce made with mirin, soy sauce, and aromatics, then finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

4 servings
1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mirin (sweet rice wine) or dry sherry
  • ½ cup soy sauce, preferably reduced-sodium
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garlic
  • ¾ pound sirloin or tri-tip steak
  • 8 whole green onions
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    To make the marinade, combine the mirin, soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Pour the marinade into a shallow dish large enough to hold the meat and set aside to cool.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Cut the beef into 24 (1-inch) squares about 1/2 inch thick. Add the beef to the cooled marinade, stir to evenly coat, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Cut the trimmed green onions into thirds. Soak 12 (4- to 6-inch) bamboo skewers in water for at least 1 hour.

    60 min

  3. 3.

    Preheat an outdoor grill.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Thread 2 pieces of beef and green onion, alternating, onto one end of each skewer. Grill the skewers until the meat is nicely browned and just a bit pink in the center, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the skewers to a plate or small platter and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Set the plate on a warming tray to keep warm, if you wish.

    10 min

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