10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Japanese Yakitori

For those searching for Japanese catering this year, yakitori might have come to mind, or maybe even sushi catering or hibachi catering. Yakitori is one of Japan’s most popular forms of prepared food, but how much do you really know about this unique dish?

This article will share ten facts you should know about yakitori! With these facts, you’ll see why so many people love the dish and continue to book yakitori catering for their guests. So here are ten facts you need to know about yakitori before you book yakitori catering this year.

1.      Yakitori Was Created in the Edo Period

Yakitori was first created during the Edo period (1603-1868) when meat was scarce and expensive in Japan. Yakitori means “grilled bird,” as yakimono is often translated into English (yaki meaning grilled). Yakitori restaurants still exist today, serving these traditional Japanese favorites, but now you can find them pretty much anywhere around town!

2.      The Meiji Period Introduced Yakitori Stalls

The Meiji Period (1868-1912) is the period that saw Japan open up to the world, and it was during this time that yakitori stalls were introduced. Yakitori stalls were often set up beside bustling city centers and busy streets. They served as a place to stop and grab a quick bite before continuing their day. In many parts of Japan, you can still see night markets that host yakitori stalls today!

3.      In the 1960s, Yakitori Became Globally Recognized

The 1960s, which saw an increase in the popularity of Japanese cuisine and traditional dishes, was mirrored by a rise in yakitori. Its low cost and ease of preparation made it a hit with home cooks, while the fresh ingredients appealed to health-conscious consumers. Fun fact: Japan even protected chicken breeds specially used for the dish because of the rise in popularity of yakitori!

4.      Skewers Are Used for Yakitori for a Reason

While many people might not think much of it, using skewers for yakitori was purposeful. When you book yakitori catering, chefs continue to use skewers because it is not only tradition, but it keeps the food from falling off into the grill and from burning. Skewers are also incredibly easy to use, whether you go out to a restaurant or pick up a piece of yakitori at your event from the caterer!

5.      Chicken Yakitori Is Made in Numerous Ways

There are a variety of ways to make yakitori, which is part of why it is so popular today. As we discussed, Yakitori mainly refers to the grilling style. Yakitori, for chicken, can be made with numerous parts of the bird, different sauces, or even alongside vegetables as they are grilled together. Yakitori catering commonly cooks the delicious chicken thigh and chicken breast fillet yakitori, but you can choose just about any cut you prefer for your event!

6.      Yakitori Has Health Benefits

Unsurprisingly, this simple Japanese dish is high in protein and healthy for us! It’s part of why people are after sushi and yakitori catering, for the fantastic health benefits. Yakitori is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can help energize you. Also, because of its simplicity and deliciousness, yakitori is good for you to eat.

7.      Yakitori Seasoning is Simple

One of the first questions people often have is what kind of seasoning yakitori uses makes it so darn good! Well, yakitori is quite simple. Any private yakitori chef will use some of the same ingredients: yakitori is commonly made with salt, sake, and yakitori sauce.

Sometimes pickled ginger, soy sauce, miso paste, and mirin are included alongside yakitori. Still, again, this all depends on your choice of seasoning and how you want your yakitori to be cooked by your private yakitori chef.

8.      The “Seven Great Yakitori Towns” of Japan

Like there are Seven Great Wonders of the World, Japan has its own “Seven Great Yakitori Towns.” If you want to enjoy the best, most authentic yakitori catering, we highly recommend you visit these cities:

• Bibai City
• Muroran City
• Fukushima City
• Higashimatsuyama City
• Imabari City
• Nagato City
• Kurume City

These cities are recognized as some of the best places to get yakitori, among other dishes, like sushi!

9.      There is Yakitori Etiquette

You might believe that it’s finger food just because it is on a skewer. However, there is etiquette that you should follow when eating yakitori. When you eat it, use your hands or your chopsticks. Also, make sure you eat one piece of meat at a time.

Therefore, using your hands to hold the skewer would be best, as most people do this in and out of restaurants. When on the busy streets, yakitori’s finger food nature makes it easy to eat even while following proper etiquette!

10. Yakitori is Not Just Chicken

Sure, yakitori means “grilled bird,” but many people have continued to innovate and create unique dishes. Some have gone as far as to create dishes for vegetarians or experimented with new poultry and livestock.

As a result, many people today can see yakitori-style pork, beef, duck, and more on the menu. Of course, chicken is still one of the most common forms of yakitori, but you don’t have to limit yourself when you book yakitori catering!

Hire Us for Your Next Big Event

We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about yakitori. Learning more about this delicious dish is a great way to spice up your next event or get-together, so be sure to keep it in mind when planning your next party!

Yakitori, hibachi, and sushi catering are all fantastic ideas for your next big catered event. If you’re looking for an impressive, healthy, and simple option to excite your corporate or wedding guests, why not book sushi catering or yakitori catering for your next big event?

Mr. Fresh Catering is a top-rated yakitori, hibachi, and sushi catering service in Southern California. We offer an unforgettable experience with our experienced private yakitori chefs and high-quality food. For more information about booking your next event catering with us, please call us at (323)250-2460 or submit a contact us form, and we will get back to you soon.