Tsukune

Tsukune is a popular Japanese yakitori item, which is a grilled skewer dish. It is made from minced chicken, often seasoned with various ingredients and formed into a ball or patty shape around a skewer. The mixture typically includes finely ground chicken meat, sometimes with chicken skin for added moisture and flavor. Common seasonings and binders for tsukune include egg, soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, and sometimes green onions or other vegetables.

The tsukune is then grilled, often over charcoal, until it is cooked through and slightly charred. It is frequently brushed with a sweet and savory tare sauce during grilling, which caramelizes and enhances the flavor. Some variations of tsukune may include additional ingredients mixed into the chicken, such as shiitake mushrooms, lotus root, or even cheese. It is a staple at izakayas (Japanese pubs) and yakitori restaurants across Japan, valued for its tender texture and flavorful profile. The simplicity of its preparation and its satisfying taste have made it a widely loved dish.