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Yakitori Sauce (Tare) Recipe

Yakitori Sauce (Tare) Recipe

Chef B
Yakitori Sauce, or Tare, is a sweet-savory glaze traditionally used for Japanese grilled skewers (yakitori). This sauce combines the umami of soy sauce, the sweetness of mirin, and the depth of sake, creating a versatile condiment for grilling and dipping. Perfect for chicken skewers, it can also enhance grilled vegetables, seafood, or even noodles. Simmered with browned chicken bones and skin, this recipe delivers a rich, authentic flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Japan.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 5 cups
Calories 808 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or Stovetop Burner: To brown the chicken bones and skin.
  • large pot For simmering the sauce ingredients.
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer: To strain the sauce and remove solids.
  • Skimmer or Spoon: For skimming impurities from the surface.
  • Storage Container: To refrigerate the sauce for future use.

Ingredients
  

  • 40 oz sake
  • 40 oz mirin (use real mirin, not honteri or ajimirin)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 cups soy sauce Japanese soy sauce, not the Chinese kind which has a different flavor

Instructions
 

  • Brown the bones and the skin of 1 chicken on a grill then add the sake-mirin mixture.
  • Boil sake and mirin together for 10 minutes.
  • Skim the impurities from the top of the pot.
  • Add sugar and soy sauce, and simmer slowly for 45 minutes.
  • Strain the bones and skin out.

Notes

After using tare, bring to a boil and then refrigerate.

Customizations:

  • Sweeter Sauce: Add extra sugar for a sweeter glaze.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir in a small amount of chili paste or shichimi togarashi for spice.
  • Deeper Flavor: Simmer with a few garlic cloves or ginger slices for added depth.

Storage Tips:

  • After each use, bring the sauce to a boil, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Tips:

  • Use as a glaze for chicken, pork, seafood, or vegetables.
  • Drizzle over steamed rice or noodles for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips:

  • Use Japanese soy sauce (not Chinese soy sauce) for the authentic flavor profile.
  • Browning the chicken bones and skin adds richness and depth to the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 808kcalCarbohydrates: 140gProtein: 11gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 6924mgPotassium: 254mgFiber: 1gSugar: 85gCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Japanese Grilling Sauce, Sweet Soy Glaze, Tare Sauce, Yakitori Sauce Recipe
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