Food trends come and go, but ogling at a juicy yakitori just hits different. We can’t resist that grill-marked goodness drizzled with a sticky-sweet glaze. Remember those nights grilling skewers in the backyard?
Yakitori isn’t just chicken on a stick; it’s a ticket to flavor town. We know it pairs perfectly with a chilled drink. Whether you want to ramp up your next dinner party or just snack on something delicious in front of the TV, we’ve got the scoop on what sides to serve.
Less fuss, more flavor—that’s the name of the game. Grab your chopsticks; it’s time to elevate your yakitori experience!
Top 15 Side Dishes for Yakitori
Here are our top 15 picks for side dishes to serve with yakitori:
1 – Steamed White Rice
Who knew steamed white rice would be such a staple? It’s like a blank canvas for our meals. Perfect with yakitori or any stir-fry we cook up.
Rice is simple to make too. We normally just rinse it, throw it in the pot, and wait for it to fluff up. A splash of soy sauce or sesame oil adds a splash of flavor.
We love how it soaks up sauces. It really ties the whole meal together. Plus, leftovers? They make fantastic fried rice later!
2 – Japanese Pickled Cucumbers
Japanese pickled cucumbers are a crunchy explosion of flavor! These little bites are super refreshing and pair well with just about anything.
They add a nice tangy twist to heavier dishes like yakitori.
Plus, they’re easy to make at home. Just slice up cucumbers, soak them in vinegar, sugar, and salt, and wait a bit.
Seriously, a couple of hours in the fridge and you’ve got a tasty side ready to go. We love how they can brighten up a meal. Simple, delicious, and quick—a true kitchen staple!
3 – Miso Soup with Tofu
Miso soup with tofu is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s comforting and super easy to whip up.
The miso adds a salty kick, and tofu gives a nice, chewy texture.
We love how it warms us up on chilly nights. Just mix the broth, whisk in the miso, and toss in the tofu.
You can toss in some green onions for a fresh touch. This soup is a great way to sneak in some nutrition without a fuss. Perfect for a quick snack or light meal!
4 – Soy-Glazed Mushrooms
Miso-glazed mushrooms are like a tasty, umami-packed treat that we can’t get enough of. They have a sweet, salty vibe and a bit of chewiness.
We’re big fans of tossing them in stir-fries or keeping them as a side.
Roasting makes them extra caramelized—so good! A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top gives a nice crunch.
Cooking them is a breeze, so we whip these up whenever we want a quick flavor boost for any dish!
5 – Edamame with Sea Salt
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Edamame with sea salt is a staple we always keep on hand. These green little gems pack a crunch and are super addictive. A quick steam brings them to life.
We sprinkle salt over the cooked pods, and they’re ready for munching. They make snacking feel a bit fancy without the fuss. Plus, they’ve got protein to give us a little boost.
Forget chips; these are our go-to snack when we want something tasty and healthy. Perfect for dipping while binge-watching shows!
6 – Soba Noodle Salad
Soba noodle salad is a cool twist we can’t ignore. These noodles are hearty yet light. They’re usually made from buckwheat, giving a nutty flavor that we love.
We toss in fresh veggies for crunch. Add some sesame dressing, and it’s a winner.
Perfect for meal prep too, they sit well in the fridge.
We dig this dish cold or at room temp. No heating necessary!
Great for a quick lunch or as a side with yakitori.
7 – Grilled Onigiri
Grilled onigiri is the perfect twist on our rice game. These rice balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They soak up flavor like a sponge, especially when brushed with soy sauce.
We love to add fillings, like pickled plum or grilled salmon. Dipping them in a bit of seaweed just adds a tasty kick.
Great for snacking or as a side at a barbecue. They keep well too, making leftovers rock.
8 – Tempura Vegetables
Grilled onigiri is our go-to snack for any occasion. These rice balls are crispy outside and soft inside. They soak up flavors beautifully, especially with a brush of soy sauce.
We often stuff them with goodies like pickled plum or salmon. Dipping in seaweed takes them to another level. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues or just chilling on the couch.
Leftovers are a treat too; they keep well. We love having these on hand for quick bites.
9 – Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Dressing
Cabbage slaw with sesame dressing is a crunchy side that never disappoints. It has that great mix of refreshing and zesty.
We toss in some chopped cabbage, carrots, and a drizzle of sesame oil for flavor.
This dish is super easy to whip up. Perfect for those busy weeknights when we’re looking for a quick win.
We often sneak in some nuts for extra crunch.
It adds a nice color to our plate too. Seriously, who can resist that vibrant look?
10 – Tsukemono (Assorted Japanese Pickles)
Tsukemono are the ultimate munchies. These pickles add crunch and zing to any meal. They come in various flavours, from sweet to tangy.
We love their versatility. They fit right in at lunch or dinner. Toss them on a rice bowl or serve them alongside yakitori.
Making them is a breeze. Just slice some veggies and let them soak in vinegar. They’re great for meal prep. We often whip up a batch over the weekend for quick snacks all week.
11 – Wakame Seaweed Salad
Wakame seaweed salad is a crunchy, green treat we can’t resist. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
We toss in sesame oil, a splash of rice vinegar, and a bit of soy sauce for a zesty kick. Perfect for light lunches or as a side.
Wakame is super easy to prep. Just soak the dried seaweed and chop some veggies.
We love adding cucumbers for crunch. This dish pairs great with yakitori or sushi!
12 – Ginger Carrot Salad
Ginger carrot salad is crunchy and refreshing. It’s simple yet full of zing! We shred carrots and toss them with fresh ginger, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar.
Ginger gives a nice kick that perks up the dish. This salad is a breeze to enjoy on hot days. We often add nuts for extra crunch.
Perfect for a light lunch or a side on a busy night. No cooking skills needed; just chop and mix!
13 – Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
Gyoza are little pockets of goodness we can’t get enough of. These dumplings are crispy and tender at the same time. Stuffed with meat and veggies, they’re super versatile.
We love pan-frying them for that perfect crunch. They also steam well if we’re feeling healthier. Dipping sauce? Yes, please! A mix of soy sauce and vinegar does the trick.
These are perfect for munching at parties or snack time. We keep a stash in the freezer for quick meals.
14 – Daikon Radish Salad
Daikon radish salad is a crunchy, refreshing treat we can’t resist. It’s super easy to whip up and adds a vibrant splash to our meals.
We use shredded daikon for that crisp texture. Toss it with some lemon juice and a bit of sesame oil for zing.
It’s our go-to side for barbecues or casual dinners. A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes it even better! Perfect for those days when we want something quick yet tasty.
15 – Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
Last but not least, tamagoyaki is a classic Japanese dish we can’t get enough of. This rolled omelette is sweet and savory all at once. It’s made with a mix of eggs, sugar, and soy sauce.
Cooked in a special pan, it has that signature square shape. Perfect for fancy brunches or as an appetizer. We love sprinkling some green onions on top for extra flavor.
It’s also great for meal prep; we make a batch and enjoy slices throughout the week!
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