Description
These Korean Chicken Skewers are marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight meals, they are flavorful, easy to prepare, and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
- Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more sugar for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness, depending on your preference.
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
- Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, ensure they are clean and ready for use.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Optionally, alternate with vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- For a charred flavor, cook the skewers a little longer, but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare a serving platter and arrange the skewers. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
- Serve with sides like steamed rice, a fresh salad, or kimchi. For an extra touch, serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
- If you want a smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal grill or adding wood chips to your grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes