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Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)

Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs) Recipe

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Tsukune, a traditional Japanese chicken meatball recipe that brings the essence of Japanese cuisine right to your home. These juicy, lightly seasoned chicken meatballs are skewered and grilled to perfection, finished with a homemade tare sauce that balances sweetness and saltiness for an unforgettable taste. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or served alongside rice and vegetables, this dish is versatile and easy to make, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. With just 90 minutes from start to finish, you’ll enjoy a fun cooking experience while impressing your guests with these delectable bites.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple juice vinegar
  • 3 medium cloves of garlic, smashed and peeled
  • 3 scallions, roughly chopped
  • 1 (1-inch) piece of ginger, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon whole black or white peppercorns

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tare sauce by combining apple juice vinegar, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, garlic, scallions, ginger slices, and peppercorns in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer until thickened. Strain and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken thighs with panko bread crumbs, chopped scallions, egg, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Thread meatballs onto skewers and grill over medium heat until browned on all sides.
  4. Brush cooked meatballs generously with tare sauce and let them rest before serving.

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