Alright, folks, let's talk about yakitori! These little grilled skewers are more than just food on a stick; they're a celebration of flavors (Japanese skewers of bite-sized grilled meat, often chicken, typically grilled over charcoal and brushed with tare sauce).
We remember our first bite-juicy chicken, smoky and charred, paired with that heavenly tare sauce. Just thinking about it makes our mouths water!
Which side dishes are worthy enough to accompany these tasty bites? We've got the scoop on some perfect partners that will take your yakitori experience to a whole new level.
From zesty salads to rice with that ideal texture, these sides are a must. So, grab your skewers and let's spice things up!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Yakitori
Here are 13 delicious side dishes to pair with your yakitori skewers:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Japanese Potato Salad | Potatoes, mayonnaise, cucumber, carrots | Creamy, tangy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Miso Soup | Miso paste, tofu, seaweed, dashi broth | Umami, salty | Easy | 15 mins |
| Grilled Shishito Peppers | Shishito peppers, soy sauce, sesame oil | Smoky, savory | Easy | 10 mins |
| Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles) | Cucumber, daikon, vinegar, salt | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 24 hrs |
| Chilled Soba Noodles | Soba noodles, dipping sauce, scallions | Fresh, savory | Medium | 20 mins |
| Edamame with Sea Salt | Edamame, sea salt | Salty, fresh | Easy | 10 mins |
| Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) | Octopus, batter, bonito flakes, sauce | Savory, umami | Medium | 40 mins |
| Gohan (Steamed White Rice) | Short-grain rice, water | Plain, fragrant | Easy | 20 mins |
| Cucumber Sunomono | Cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame seeds | Tangy, refreshing | Easy | 10 mins |
| Agedashi Tofu | Tofu, dashi, soy sauce, ginger | Savory, umami | Medium | 30 mins |
| Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette) | Eggs, dashi, soy sauce | Sweet, savory | Medium | 20 mins |
| Seaweed Salad | Seaweed, sesame oil, vinegar | Tangy, umami | Easy | 15 mins |
| Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Rice, nori, pickled plum | Savory, umami | Medium | 30 mins |
1 - Japanese Potato Salad
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Who knew potato salad could be so different? Japanese potato salad stands out with its creamy mayo blend.
We mix in veggies like carrots and cucumbers for crunch.
The potatoes get mashed, but not too much (use Yukon Golds for a creamier, waxy texture). It keeps a nice texture.
Chill it before serving. It tastes even better that way!
We enjoy this as a side or on its own; it's also listed among sweet potato soup side ideas.
It's a hit at gatherings. Everyone wants the recipe!
2 - Miso Soup
Miso soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Its base is all about that savory miso paste and dashi broth (miso is a fermented soybean paste and dashi is a stock made from kombu and bonito flakes).
We whip in tofu, seaweed, and scallions to round things out.
This dish is super adaptable; we sometimes toss in veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a little extra. A splash of soy sauce amplifies the umami.
Always serve it hot.
We find it pairs great with sushi or a rice bowl and complements miso cod side suggestions.
3 - Grilled Shishito Peppers
For when you want a little heat, grilled shishito peppers are the perfect side dish. Simply toss them in some oil and salt, then grill them up until they're slightly charred.
These peppers are mild with just a touch of spice, so they won't overpower your yakitori (often Capsicum annuum, blistered for flavor).
4 - Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles)
Next up, we have tsukemono, or Japanese pickles (a range of vegetables preserved with vinegar, salt, or rice bran for quick or long-term pickling). These pickled veggies add some brightness and crunch to your meal.
You can find a variety of different vegetables pickled in Japan, from daikon radish to cucumbers.
Tsukemono is usually served in small amounts as a palate cleanser between bites of food. But if you're a pickle fanatic like us, feel free to load up on these tangy treats!
5 - Chilled Soba Noodles
They're refreshing and easy to prepare and are included in cold soba noodle side ideas.
We cook them, chill, and toss with sauce. Soba are buckwheat noodles (traditionally made from buckwheat flour, often blended with wheat for elasticity).
They have a nutty flavor.
Dress with soy sauce, sesame oil, or even peanut sauce. They pair well with veggies.
For added flair, we sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top.
Serve them cold for a light meal. They're quick, and you can whip them up any time.
6 - Edamame with Sea Salt
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Edamame with sea salt is a snack we can't resist (young soybeans harvested before drying, high in plant protein). They're simple yet so good.
Lightly salted, it's like nature's own finger food.
We just pop those little beans out of their pods. It's oddly satisfying.
The crunch paired with the salt hits the spot.
These guys are packed with protein. Great for an afternoon boost.
Pair them with a cold drink and you're set.
Just keep an eye on the sea salt. Too much and they can be a bit overpowering.
7 - Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)
The name alone is intriguing, right? Takoyaki are balls of dough filled with octopus pieces (made from a wheat-flour batter mixed with dashi, then filled with diced octopus).
They're cooked in a special pan that gives them their round shape.
Once cooked, they're topped with mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce (a sweet and savory blend). Then flaked bonito fish is sprinkled on top for added flavor.
They're the perfect street food snack and an unexpected side to pair with your yakitori skewers.
8 - Gohan (Steamed White Rice)
What's not to say about steamed white rice? It's a classic that just gets it.
Soft, fluffy, and versatile-gohan fits into almost any meal.
We rinse our rice a few times to get rid of extra starch. It helps with that perfect texture.
Keep it simple with just water, or throw in some kombu (kelp from the Laminariaceae family) for added umami.
Great as a side, or mixed with other dishes; it also complements white chicken chili side options.
No fuss, just solid gohan goodness.
9 - Cucumber Sunomono
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Cucumber sunomono is a refreshing treat. It's simple yet tasty.
Thinly sliced cucumbers soak in a vinegar mix that tickles your palate (rice vinegar balanced with a touch of sugar and soy).
The crunch adds a nice texture. This dish pairs well with heavier foods.
Add sesame seeds for a little nutty flair.
We chill it for a crisp bite. Perfect for summer cookouts or sushi nights.
Prepping it takes no time.
Clean, slice, and mix. Enjoy it fresh.
10 - Agedashi Tofu
Agedashi tofu is a crispy dream on its own. We fry cubes of tofu until golden.
Then, they swim in a tasty soy-based sauce (typically made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin).
This dish gets a sprinkle of green onions and bonito flakes for flair. Our tip?
Use extra-firm tofu, and press it to remove moisture first.
It's a nice contrast to yakitori. Dipping your tofu in sauce adds layers of flavor.
Simple and satisfying.
11 - Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
How do we roll with our eggs? Tamagoyaki is all about those sweet, fluffy vibes.
It's a layered omelette, seasoned with soy sauce and sugar (often also flavored with mirin and dashi for extra umami and a slightly sweet finish). We whip up eggs, cook in thin layers, then roll and slice.
Control the sweetness to fit your taste.
A spatula makes flipping easy. We often serve this warm or cold.
It's great on rice or as a stand-alone snack.
This dish adds a fun twist to our plate.
12 - Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad is like that friend who's always down for anything. It's light and packed with flavors.
We enjoy the chewy texture with the slight crunch of sesame seeds.
A splash of soy sauce gives it a nice kick (use tamari if you need a gluten-free option). It's super easy to whip together.
We toss in some cucumber or crab for a twist.
Leave it in the fridge for a while. It tastes even better chilled.
Great as a side or on its own as a snack; it even appears among taco salad side ideas.
13 - Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Onigiri are rice balls that map out our love for snacks. They're simple-the base is just rice, but we get creative with fillings like salmon or pickled plum (common fillings include salted salmon, umeboshi pickled plum, or kombu).
These guys are portable and versatile. We can munch on them anywhere.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a nori wrap adds extra flair. They can also be a lifesaver for those busy days.
A quick pack and we're good to go.
Eating these in the park? Ideal sunny-day food. Keep it casual and enjoy!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
