Chicken Meatballs (Tsukune)

Introduction

Tsukune are Japanese-style chicken meatballs traditionally enjoyed at yakitori restaurants and izakayas. Juicy chicken meatballs are coated in a sweet-savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.

This simple homemade version comes together in about 15 minutes with everyday ingredients, making it an easy Japanese dish for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

[Servings : 2-3]

• Ground chicken: 300 g
• Japanese long green onion (negi), finely chopped: 1/2 (or 1/2 small onion)
• Egg: 1
• Potato starch: 1–1½ tbsp
• Grated ginger: 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper: A pinch

Seasonings

• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Mirin: 2 tbsp
• Sake: 2 tbsp
• Sugar: 1 tbsp

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds: As desired

Instruction

1. Season the ground chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Add the chopped green onion, grated ginger, egg, and potato starch. Mix well until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
4. Heat a little oil in a pan and cook the meatballs until browned on both sides.
5. Pour in the sauce and simmer until it reduces slightly and evenly coats the tsukune.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve.

Tips

• Cover the pan with a lid for a few minutes while cooking to help make the tsukune juicy and fluffy.

• Mix the chicken mixture well before shaping so the ingredients hold together.

• Let the sauce simmer until it becomes glossy and coats the meatballs well. • You can substitute 1/2 small onion if Japanese long green onion (negi) is unavailable.