“No Fuss Asian Chic”

This yakitori, or grilled chicken skewer, recipe couldn’t be simpler, or more flavourful. Versatile and tasty, it can serve as a party appetizer or a meal unto itself and is suitable for all seasons.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sake
• 1/4 cup mirin (sweet sake) or try this substitute recipe
• 3 tablespoons yellow miso paste
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, skinned, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small green bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch squares
• 1 leek, white part only, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sake, mirin, miso, soy sauce, sugar and ginger. Simmer the sauce over moderately low heat until it is thick and shiny, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, thread the chicken, bell pepper and leek onto twelve 8-inch wooden skewers, alternating the ingredients and beginning and ending with chicken. Set the skewers on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
3. Preheat the broiler and set a rack 4 inches from the heat. Cover the exposed ends of the skewers with foil and brush the skewers on both sides with the sauce. Broil the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, basting when you turn them, until the chicken is cooked through and browned at the edges. Serve the chicken yakitori hot or at room temperature.

Pair with Creekside 2007 Reserve Viognier or 2006 Reserve Chardonnay.