How to Make Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs) - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a fan of juicy, flavorful meatballs, then you need to try Tsukune - the Japanese version of the popular dish. Made from ground chicken, these meatballs are seasoned with fragrant spices and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Tsukune makes for a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a lively party with friends.

What sets Tsukune apart from regular meatballs is its unique flavor profile. The use of traditional Japanese seasonings, such as soy sauc...

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Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ¼ cup tamari
  • ¼ cup cooking sake
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 10 ½ ounces ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • ½ carrot, grated
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons red miso paste, or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon potato starch
  • 1 tablespoon crumbled seaweed
  • 1 tablespoon tamari, or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cooking sake, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika, or more to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Total Time: 42 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 patties

  • Heat oil in a small pot over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon ginger and garlic; cook and stir until slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup tamari, 1/4 cup sake, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame seeds; simmer until glaze is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine ground chicken, egg, green onions, carrot, bread crumbs, miso, 2 tablespoons ginger, potato starch, seaweed, 1 tablespoon tamari, 1 tablespoon sake, soy sauce, white sugar, and paprika in a large bowl; mix well into a thick paste, at least 5 minutes.
  • Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Roll ground chicken mixture into balls the size of your palm. Flatten them slightly into patties. Grill until well-browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and continue grilling until browned on the second side, 2 to 3 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Brush glaze over meatballs before serving.
  • Nutrition

    133 cal.

    • Total Fat: 2g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 45mg
    • Sodium: 902mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 13g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 12g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 25mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 182mg