Yakitori is a Japanese cuisine consisting of skewered meat, chicken, and other ingredients grilled or baked over a fire.
While you can serve yakitori alone as an appetizer, it’s also popular to serve it with other dishes. This is to create a larger meal or even as the main course at dinner parties.
But what to serve with yakitori? Regarding what to serve with yakitori, the possibilities are endless!
This Japanese dish may feature grilled chicken and vegetables, but that doesn’t mean you must stick with those ingredients. Yakitori can incorporate just about any meat or vegetable you can imagine.
In this guide on the perfect dishes to serve with yakitori, we discuss some of the best ingredients you can use. Further explained how they work together on your dinner plate and in your mouth!
So here are some of the best pairings of what to serve with yakitori that you can make at home or order out from your local Japanese restaurant.
1. Veggie Lettuce Wraps
To begin with, the first on the list of what to serve with yakitori is the Veggie Lettuce wraps. It’s a staple of Japanese cuisine—from yakitori dishes and tempura.
While it’s often served raw, you can turn lettuce into wraps filled with all sorts of tasty fillings.
Also, add mushrooms, onions, and sesame seeds to your salads for an extra punch of flavor that will complement your grilled chicken.
And don’t worry if your guests aren’t as adventurous as you are—they’re just lettuce leaves. So they won’t even know what they’re eating! Lettuce is also easy on your wallet.
2. Noodles
While yakitori is essentially meant to be enjoyed on its own, it also goes well with a side dish or two. But what to serve with yakitori?
Some people say that nothing goes better with yakitori than ramen noodles; however, I strongly disagree.
There are times when ramen goes perfectly, but there are also other times when it does not. Besides, there’s more to Japanese cuisine than just ramen noodles!
3. Fried Daikon Balls
Fried Daikon Balls are the third on our list of what to serve with yakitori. Crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside, these balls make for a great complement to fried dishes. Also, they’re easy to make. Here is a favorite recipe of mine.
All you need are some daikon radishes (which can be found at Asian grocers), some flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
However, if you want to really impress your guests, try making them twice cooked. That is pan frying and then deep-frying until golden brown. There is nothing like eating hot food right off of sticks!
4. Spring Rolls
Next up to be discussed as to what to serve with yakitori are the Spring Rolls. These are a great accompaniment to yakitori, as they go well with dips and sauces.
You can find some great recipes online or even create your own. Although, be careful not to overstuff them. If you do, they won’t be able to hold together while cooking.
5. Pre-Made Sushi Rolls
When it comes to what to serve with yakitori, these also go well. They do it well as an appetizer or a side dish alongside traditional Japanese food.
Again, pre-made sushi rolls are available at most supermarkets or convenience stores these days. But if you have time on your hands, you could also make your own sushi.
6. Lotus Root Chips
This crunchy root vegetable is a great accompaniment for yakitori dishes; it’s salty, crispy, and has a subtle, earthy flavor.
You can cut thin slices into chips and serve them in individual bowls as an appetizer or snack. Also, it’s great as a topping for stewed Japanese yams or enokitake mushrooms.
Plus, it makes a nice alternative to French fries when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want your meal to be too filling.
If you do decide to use Lotus Root Chips as an appetizer, use chopsticks instead of forks. Ordinarily, this can give guests get an authentic dining experience. What to serve with yakitori shouldn’t be a problem with Lotus Root Chips!
7. Dumplings
One of my favorite things about yakitori is that it’s a great excuse to use all kinds of Asian cuisine in one meal. As a result, getting what to serve with yakitori isn’t anything worth racking one’s brain for.
When serving yakitori, I like to go beyond just sushi and serve up some traditional Chinese or Korean side dishes. This includes, of course, dumplings.
Chinese dumplings are always delicious, but in winter, you might opt for Japanese gyoza or ramen-style dumplings with your yummy grilled chicken skewers.
And if you have time on your hands while they cook, why not make a quick dipping sauce from scratch?
Meanwhile, it’ll take away precious yakitori grilling time. But at least you’ll be able to serve up something homemade that’s unique and flavorful.
8. Roasted Asian Vegetable Medley
Yakitori is a traditional Japanese dish made of chicken parts (typically chicken thighs) that are skewered and grilled.
Although yakitori can be cooked on an outdoor grill, many restaurants use an electric teppan. At home, you can use an outdoor grill or a stovetop.
Also, the meat is typically seasoned before grilling. Some people enjoy dipping yakitori into tare sauce or other sauces such as ponzu or goma (sesame seed) sauce while they eat it hot off skewers. Other popular yakitori choices include beef, duck, quail eggs, and shishito peppers.
Again, still on the list of what to serve with yakitori. We just had to digress a bit to shed more light on the Yakitori dish itself.
Proceeding to complement your yakitori meal, serve it with a roast vegetable medley. The added crunch and sweetness will complete your dish perfectly!
9. Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich
At first sight, a Japanese egg salad sandwich may sound like an odd side dish for yakitori, but it is one of our favorites! It’s one of the most suitable accompaniments for grilled chicken skewers.
Egg salad sandwiches are especially appealing because they can be made in advance and stored in your refrigerator until ready to serve.
What’s more, you don’t even have to worry about squishing them if you happen to be going out by car or train.
Try preparing them using traditional Japanese condiments—the blend of flavors will wow your guests! In one sentence, it’s worth being on the list of what to serve with yakitori!
10. Enoki Pancakes
Enoki mushrooms, known for their sweet and crunchy texture and flavor, are a popular item in Japanese cuisine. Some people who aren’t fond of Asian food may not realize how versatile enokis are.
However, once you try them as an alternative to meat or as a supplement to your main dish, then you understand.
It is very easy to add them to your diet; Enoki pancakes can be served alone or alongside yakitori skewers.
Gather flour, baking powder, and salt to prepare these gluten-free pancakes. Further, make a well in your dry ingredients; now add egg and coconut milk (or regular milk).
Finally, mix all these ingredients together until they resemble pancake batter. With Enoki pancakes, you’ve no worries about what to serve with yakitori!
11. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a great option regarding what to serve with yakitori and yakiniku. Traditionally called Goma-an (literally sesame rice), it features delicious bits of sesame mixed in with white sticky rice.
Therefore, resulting in a sweet and nutty flavor that compliments grilled meats beautifully.
Furthermore, the dish is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who wants to add some variety to their typical Japanese food routine.
Plus, it’s easy to make a batch on a weeknight. In fact, you can impress friends at your next dinner party.
12. Zucchini Crisps
In Japan, what to serve with yakitori is usually a variety of side dishes. One of our favorites is homemade zucchini crisps. First, wash two large zucchini and cut them into round slices.
Then, prepare three dipping sauces: soy sauce, tsuyu (ponzu or dashi), and tenkasu dashi. Dip a zucchini slice into each sauce, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Also, it can be a silicone mat in your oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes (at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only take 10 minutes). Watch them closely, so they don’t burn!
13. Cucumber Salad
This is a very simple side dish, but it works really well. First, cut up your cucumber into small matchsticks.
Afterward, dress with some rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Lastly, let stand for at least 30 minutes before serving.
If you are looking for a “what to serve with yakitori” dish that is very easy and less time-consuming, here’s your answer!
14. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are one of my favorite additions to yakitori dishes. They add both flavor and texture. Next, mix in sesame seeds (white or black) for every chicken used in your marinade.
Put on skewers along with other ingredients for interesting texture contrast. Just enjoy your sesame flavor!
15. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
When it comes to yakitori, vegetables are best served grilled. The high heat caramelizes each vegetable’s natural sugars, thus creating a delicious smoky flavor. This makes vegetables taste even better than they do on their own.
Also, when you’re serving yakitori at home, add these vegetable skewers alongside your meat skewers for a light and healthy addition. Plus, grilling them gives them a slightly smoky flavor that compliments any grilled meat.
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make them yourself! With just three ingredients: zucchini or summer squash, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
You can also create delicate ribbons and playful shapes that look as good as they taste. When looking for what to serve with yakitori, these grilled vegetable skewers should be considered!
16. Rainbow Carrot
Have a large serving of rainbow carrots side dish at your yakitori party; it will be super appetizing. Plus, your guests are sure to love it.
Moreover, these colorful rainbow carrots have a variety of health benefits, including antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. You should try these carrots and involve them in what to serve with yakitori.
17. Miso Soup
Miso soup is on the list of what to serve with yakitori. It appears to be one of my favorite dishes, especially when I have a bad day. If you don’t like it for its taste, try it for its healing properties.
Miso is fermented soybean paste and is very nutritious due to the fermentation process of miso. (Normally, pasteurization kills nutrients in foods but not in the case of miso).
They are also an excellent source of protein and fiber and, likewise, low in calories. Coupled with that, Misos are also high in vitamins B1 & B2, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Still, confused as to what to serve with yakitori? Here’s a full-package dish!
18. Vegetable Chow Mein Noodles
If you are looking for what to serve with yakitori chicken skewers, then consider serving chow mein noodles.
The noodles can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish. Making chow mein noodles is not difficult.
Simply prepare wonton wrappers and cook them in boiling water before adding vegetables, meats, and spices.
Going further, mix everything together using your hands until it’s evenly distributed, and form your chow mein into long strips that look like vermicelli spaghetti.
You can serve vegetable chow mein noodles alone or serve them as a complementary side dish with other Asian cuisine dishes. Dishes such as yakisoba, fried rice, or chop suey.
19. Spicy Cucumber Salad
Simple, cooling, and a little bit spicy, cucumber salad is one of those dishes that seems simple enough. Though, it looks complicated and impressive. (Trust us: your friends will be impressed.)
To make it, slice English cucumbers into long spears. Then, chop scallions very thinly; stir rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
Furthermore, toss in your cucumber spears (with some sliced garlic if you feel bold). Afterward, add a handful of cilantro leaves and some chopped peanuts for texture.
20. Edamame
There are few appetizers as simple and delicious as a plate of boiled edamame. These Japanese soybeans are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals—and come without any of those pesky carbohydrates or calories (1 oz is only 40 calories).
However, if you’re hosting a dinner party or have hungry guests who need something to snack on while you finish cooking dinner, serve them up some edamame.
Your guests will likely be too distracted by how tasty they are even to ask what they are. And Edamame wraps up our list of what to serve with yakitori!
Conclusion
What better way to end a tasty yakitori meal than with some refreshing, fruity sorbet? The combination of sour and sweet flavors is especially delectable.
If you’re craving something salty or savory, try serving your yakitori dinner with a bowl of miso soup instead. This is the list of what to serve with yakitori at home for family and friends!
