Ridiculous Delicious Tsukune: How to Make This Easy Japanese Chicken Meatball Recipe at Home

If you’ve ever dined at a Japanese izakaya or yakitori restaurant, you’ve likely come across Tsukune — tender, savoury chicken meatballs skewered and grilled to perfection. This iconic dish, often glazed with a sweet and savoury tare sauce, is a favourite across Japan and now, it’s easier than ever to make at home.

Tsukune is made from minced chicken, combined with a variety of seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The mixture is formed into bite-sized meatballs and either grilled or pan-fried, making it a versatile option whether you have a grill at hand or simply prefer to cook it indoors. The highlight of Tsukune is the tare sauce, a glossy blend of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar that gives the meatballs their characteristic flavour profile. It’s brushed onto the skewers in layers, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the meat moist and juicy inside.

How to Make Tsukune at Home:
Making Tsukune is surprisingly simple. Start by gathering the ingredients: ground chicken, breadcrumbs, an egg, and seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger. Mix everything until well combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs and thread them onto skewers. If you don’t have skewers, don’t worry — you can cook the meatballs on a pan, achieving the same delicious results.

For the tare sauce, simmer equal parts soy sauce, sake, and mirin with a touch of sugar until it thickens into a glossy glaze. This sauce is what elevates Tsukune from a basic meatball to a flavorful experience, so don’t skip this step! Grill or pan-fry the skewers, brushing the tare sauce over them as they cook.

Serve your Tsukune with steamed rice, a side of pickles, or as part of a larger yakitori spread. You can also pair it with a dipping sauce, like a simple raw egg yolk, for added richness — a classic Japanese touch.

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this easy Tsukune recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Japan. The tender meatballs and sweet-savoury sauce make this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and bursting with flavour.