Yatai Charcoal Fusion

The Yatai Charcoal Fusion is a delightful dish that brings together the rich culinary heritage of Japanese street food with the robust flavors imparted by charcoal grilling. "Yatai" refers to the traditional mobile food stalls prevalent in Japan, known for serving quick, flavorful dishes that capture the essence of Japanese street culture. This fusion recipe honors the Yatai tradition while introducing a contemporary twist using charcoal grilling to enhance its taste and aroma.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 2 pounds, skinless and boneless
• Soy sauce - 1/2 cup
• Mirin - 1/4 cup
• Sake - 1/4 cup
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 2 tablespoons, freshly grated
• Scallions - 1 bunch, chopped
• Sesame oil - 2 tablespoons
• Honey - 2 tablespoons
• Garden vegetables - 1 pound, assorted (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms)
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Skewers - as needed, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes

Preparation

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces suitable for skewering.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and honey. Whisk together to form a marinade.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coating them well. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
4. While the chicken marinates, prepare the garden vegetables. Cut them into pieces that match the size of the chicken bits.
5. Toss the garden vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper to season them.
6. Skewer alternating pieces of marinated chicken and garden vegetables onto the skewers.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat the charcoal grill to medium-high heat. If unfamiliar with using charcoal, follow a cooking timer for optimal heat levels.
2. Place the skewered chicken and garden vegetables onto the grill, ensuring that they are well-spaced and directly above the heat source.
3. Cook for about 10-12 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char. Use a cooking timer to not overcook.
4. Baste occasionally with remaining marinade for a more intense flavor.
5. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Enjoy the Meal

To fully appreciate the Yatai Charcoal Fusion, serve these skewers with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a fresh salad. The smoky flavor of the chicken and garden vegetables pairs well with various dipping sauces such as teriyaki or spicy mayo. These skewers are perfect for entertaining guests at a summer barbecue or indulging in a casual yet exotic dinner at home. Remember to garnish with freshly chopped scallions for an added burst of color and flavor. Enjoy with a glass of chilled sake or a non-alcoholic beverage for the perfect meal accompaniment.