Around the world today, plant-based eating is becoming more and more popular, making it easier than ever to find vegetarian and vegan variations of some of your favorite meals, including those from Japanese cuisine. Dishes like sushi and yakitori are becoming more diverse as chefs create their own unique twists on some of the most treasured flavors from Japan. If you’re looking for ideas to present to your Japanese catering team for your event, you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s explore some of the best plant-based yakitori skewers to try next time you book Japanese catering. Before we dive into five delectable variations you’ll want to include on your menu, here’s a look at what ingredients typically are included in these meat-free skewers.
Essential Ingredients for Plant-Based Yakitori
It’s no secret that eating more plant-based meals does wonders for our health and also for the planet, but what ingredients can you use in these plant-based skewers? Even though you might think these skewers are less diverse, there are so many ingredients you can choose from to create the perfect skewer. More specifically, there are some items your private yakitori chef needs to make an ideal yakitori dish:
- Plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan
- Umami-rich mushroom variations like shiitake, maitake, and portobello
- Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes
- Marinades and sauces, including soy sauce, miso, mirin, sake, plus herbs and spices
With a blend of these specific ingredients, plant-based yakitori catering becomes a vibrant experience that gives your guests a burst of unique flavors! Here are five unique skewers you might want to try at your next catered event.
#1: Tofu and Vegetable Skewers
These are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. If you hire a private yakitori chef, they’ll typically make these skewers using firm tofu, zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. To really add flavor, the chef will marinate the tofu in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.
Once that is prepared, they arrange the skewers and grill them over medium heat until the tofu has a golden crust and the vegetables are tender. You can serve these with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped herbs as an appetizer or main course!
#2: Teriyaki Tempeh Skewers
Teriyaki is one of the most beloved flavors in Japanese cuisine, and it can be enjoyed as part of your plant-based yakitori catering, too! For these skewers, you’ll only need tempeh, green onions, and bell peppers. The traditional marinade requires soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Simply slice the tempeh into bite-sized pieces, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, and then prepare your skewers.
When you grill the yakitori, focus on achieving caramelization. You can serve these skewers with a teriyaki dipping sauce plus a side of steamed rice, making it the perfect plant-based meal for your Japanese catering.
#3: Mushroom Yakitori
Mushrooms are among the best vegetables for plant-based yakitori. The best mushroom to use is shiitake, which you can pair with garlic and sesame oil. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems so the flavors are fully absorbed. Toss the mushrooms in minced garlic and sesame oil, then grill them over medium heat until they are tender and slightly charred.
If you want to add a little bit more flavor to your plant-based Japanese catering, try adding some sesame seeds or fresh herbs, like parsley or chives. These will boast an umami-rich, earthy flavor that can be an excellent addition to your yakitori catering menu.
#4: Eggplant and Miso Glaze Skewers
To prepare your eggplant and miso glaze skewers, you’ll need some Japanese eggplants, miso paste, mirin, and sake. First, create a miso glaze by blending the miso paste, mirin, sake, and a touch of sugar. Slice your eggplants into thick rounds and coat them with your miso glaze. Then, grill them over medium heat until they are all caramelized.
To garnish them, you can use sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions to add a pop of color and texture to your plate. This sweet and savory flavor could be a hit with your guests on your Japanese catering menu!
#5: Seitan Skewers with Ginger and Scallions
Last but certainly not least, seitan skewers with ginger and scallions are a great choice if you love the zesty taste of ginger and savory seitan. Cut your seitan into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in grated ginger and soy sauce for at least 30 minutes. Then, grill your skewers until they have a crispy exterior and tender interior.
If you truly want to impress, arrange your skewers with scallions on top for added flavor and appearance. These are delicious, chewy, and flavorful—the perfect entrée for your event!
Hire Us for Your Next Big Event
Japanese catering can be a great addition to your event. If you book yakitori catering, you can bring the class you desire for your event and provide your guests with a healthy meal to support their overall health! Whether you want a private sushi chef or to book a mix of sushi or yakitori catering, you can’t go wrong with Japanese catering for your significant events this winter.
Yakitori 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 yakitori catering or even a private yakitori chef for your next big event? For your most important events this year, look no further than Mr. Fresh Catering: the best in the sushi and yakitori catering business.
Mr. Fresh Catering is Southern California’s top-rated yakitori and sushi catering service. 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.
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