What To Serve With Yakitori Chicken: BEST Sides!
If you love Japanese cuisine, and a satisfying medley of sweet and umami flavours, you’ll probably be a big fan of yakitori chicken!
It’s sticky and satisfying, as well as being healthy, and all you need to make your own is whip up an easy sauce, thread your chicken on to skewers, baste with the sauce, and grill until tender and delicious.
But what should you serve with yakitori chicken?
A quick and easy option is to serve yakitori skewers on top of a bed of tropical coconut rice, with a side of roasted Asian veggies. An Asian cucumber salad is another fantastic accompaniment, perfect if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
Want to explore some more options? Keep reading…
Rice Dishes for Yakitori Chicken
Let’s start with the classic coconut rice, a flavoursome staple that elevates your meal by combining the creaminess of coconut milk with the fluffiness of rice.
It complements the tender yakitori chicken and adds that tropical hint we all crave.
Another rice dish that harmonises beautifully with yakitori chicken is Japanese rice.
It’s fluffy and slightly sticky, and it’s even better when topped with pickles, spring onions, and nori.
Noodle Sides for Yakitori Chicken
Moving on to noodle options, you simply can’t go wrong with udon noodles.
Boil and serve them with your chicken yakitori for a taste combination that’ll take your senses on an Asian culinary adventure.
Just remember to drain the excess water for peak deliciousness!
Another fantastic choice for pairing with yakitori is sesame soba noodles.
They can be served either hot or cold, and they’ll take less than 20 minutes to prepare.
Vegetable Sides for Yakitori Chicken
Nothing complements a flavourful serving of yakitori chicken like some scrumptious vegetable sides!
Let’s dive right into some lip-smacking options that leave your taste buds craving for more…
Grilled or Steamed Vegetables
You can’t go wrong with classic grilled or steamed vegetables when serving yakitori chicken.
Whether you prefer your veggies tender or slightly charred, these simple yet delicious sides let you savour every last bit of the smoky flavours…
Light, nutritious and packed with flavour, these dishes are sure to win the hearts of your loved ones, making you the culinary hero of the evening!
Pickled Vegetables
Now, if you’re looking to bring a zesty twist to your yakitori spread, pickled vegetables are your go-to!
These tangy, crunchy delights add a delightful contrast to the succulent Yakitori chicken, making your meal a perfect symphony of taste sensations.
A few popular options include:
- Cucumber salad
- Vietnamese pickled carrots
So, my fellow yakitori aficionados, unleash your inner chef and let these vibrant vegetable sides take your yakitori experience to the next level.
Saucy Accompaniments
Yakitori chicken, tantalising and moreish as it is, gets even more delightful with a few saucy additions.
So let’s get saucy and explore some scrumptious yakitori sauce variations that will elevate your meal to new heights.
Yakitori Sauce Variations
The classic yakitori sauce, or “tare”, is a delightful mix of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
But why limit ourselves to the classics? Here are some cheeky twists to tickle your fancy:
- Sweet and Spicy Tare: Add some honey and chilli sauce for a mouth-watering sweet and spicy kick.
- Mango Tango Tare: Bring in the tropics with mango purée and a dash of lime juice for a sunny flair.
- Balsamic Bliss Tare: Get a bit posh by adding balsamic vinegar and a touch of garlic for an elegant twist.
Other Dipping Sauces
Now, let’s say you’re feeling daring and want to venture beyond tare. Don’t panic, my adventurous friend, I’ve got you covered. Feast your eyes on these dippin’ delights:
- Sesame Wonderland: A delectable combo of tahini, crushed garlic, lemon and a splash of soy sauce.
- Garlic Yoghurt Getaway: Whisk together Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for a smooth yet tangy sensation.
- Ponzu Party: Upgrade your yakitori with a lively mix of soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar and a pinch of brown sugar.
With these saucy accompaniments, your yakitori chicken will be elevated to a truly gastronomic experience.
So go on, don’t be shy, give them a whirl and leave your taste buds dancing with delight!
(By the way, for more Japanese inspired meal planning, take a look at the best sides for miso cod).
Drinks for Yakitori Chicken
In this final section of our article, we will explore the best drinks to accompany your delicious yakitori chicken.
Let’s dive into some thirst-quenching options, shall we?
Sake
There’s no denying that sake is the quintessential Japanese alcoholic beverage, and it pairs marvellously with yakitori chicken.
Known as nihonshu in Japan, this rice wine ranges from sweet to dry, making it highly versatile for various taste preferences.
Opt for a high-quality sake, served either chilled or warm, to enhance the overall dining experience.
Beer
Prefer something a bit bubblier?
Look no further than an ice-cold Japanese beer.
A crisp and refreshing lager will cut through the rich flavours of yakitori, leaving your palate cleansed and ready for more.
Try popular Japanese brands like Asahi, Kirin, or Sapporo when you fancy a brew.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, worry not, for we have you covered.
Why not try a frosty mug of mugicha, a Japanese barley tea?
It’s often enjoyed during the hot summer months.
Its toasty flavour and mild sweetness make it a harmonious companion to the grilled chicken.
Final thoughts on what to serve with yakitori chicken
It’s super simple to turn your yakitori skewers into a deliciously balanced meal, full of Asian flavours.
Choose between rice or noodles, and add a generous serving of veggies or a pickled salad option, like cucumber or carrot, and you’re good to go.
For more Japanese inspired sides, be sure to take a look at my guide to what to serve with ramen!
For more international flavours, check out what to serve with Korean fried chicken.
