How to Make Tsukune, the Awesome Teriyaki Meatball Skewers

Izakayas are Japanese bars, but drinks aren’t the only things on the menu. In fact, Izakayas are more akin to grilled food diners with a world of yakitori treats to share among friends and colleagues. And, of these delicious wonders, the Tsukune is a signature all-time favourite. Chunky chicken meatball skewers grilled to tender, juicy perfection and coated with a savoury, umami sauce blend. Every bite will leave you wanting more.

So, let’s add this flavourful darling to your weekend grill, lunchbox, appetizer, snack and party treats menu!

Step 1: Mix the Tsukune Ingredients

Tsukune meatballs have more than chicken mince. The additional ingredients are what give their basic savoury taste and aroma. These include grated ginger and onions, egg, light soy sauce, sake, chopped spring onions, with corn starch and sesame oil to mould the meatballs. Mix and blend all of them in a bowl, then divide into 8-10 portions.

Step 2: Prep the skewer

Line a baking tray with foil, and place a wire rack over it. Then lightly oil your palms and shape your Tsukune mix into elongated meatballs. Next, press a bamboo skewer into each, letting the meatball enclose it completely and smooth the surface. Voila! That’s the easiest way to skewer your meatballs!

Step 3: Prep the grill

Arrange your skewers on the wire rack and fold the foil to cover the ends and keep them in place.

Step 4: Cook the meatballs

Fire up your grill and place your tray. Let the meatballs cook for about 10 minutes, and then turn them over and cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Give your meatballs a Teriyaki glaze

Teriyaki means pan-fried, grilled or broiled meats, glazed with a blend of soy sauce, mirin and sugar, so the dish comes with an alluring sheen. Originating in Japan’s Edo period, this cooking technique is beloved worldwide. The glaze elevates meaty delights with a savoury, sweet umami-like flavour that is unparalleled. So, for your home-cooked Tsukune special, we recommend the Obento Teriyaki Marinade for that authentic Japanese flavour. Brush the meatballs with this amazing marinade. Grill them and turn them in 5-minute intervals till golden brown perfection.

Step 6: Serve and savour

Serve your Tsukune meatballs with the Japanese Seven-Flavour Chilli Pepper (Shichimi Togarashi) and savour the irresistible taste! Grab the full ingredients list at our easy recipes page.

About Obento Teriyaki Marinade

Obento is our trusted brand of authentic Japanese foods, seasonings, and condiments for easy Japanese cooking, with a whole range of exciting products for you to explore.

Obento Teriyaki Marinade is crafted to deliver the perfect balance of savoury and sweet, giving your home-cooked meaty delights that signature Japanese umami flavour, appetising sheen, and subtle roasted aroma.

Besides a glaze, Obento Teriyaki Marinade is also amazing to flavour and marinade pretty much any of your meaty stir-fries, pan-fries, roast, grills and barbecues. Absolutely amazing to elevate beef, chicken and pork.

Come have a taste of this marvellous Teriyaki Pork Bowl, also made easy with Obento Teriyaki Marinade!