Easy Crispy Yakitori-Style Salt-Grilled Chicken Wings (Tebasaki no Shioyaki)

Tebasaki no Shioyaki (Salt-Grilled Chicken Wings)

This classic dish is a staple of Japanese home cooking and a favorite at izakayas. By simply rubbing chicken wings with salt and pepper and grilling them until the skin is crisp, you unlock the deep, savory flavor of the meat closest to the bone. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with a cold glass of beer.

For a deeper dive into different cuts and tips, check out this article: 👉 [Easy and Tasty Roast Chicken Wings]

Understanding Your Salt

If you want to elevate this simple dish, the secret lies in the salt you choose. Rock salt is the most common type of salt used abroad. Because Japan has a small land area and high humidity, it is impossible to harvest rock salt or solar-evaporated salt naturally.

As a result, seawater is used as the primary raw material for salt in Japan. Since minerals are removed during the production of refined salt, magnesium chloride is often added. This prevents the salt from clumping and helps enhance its flavor.

Natural vs. Refined: Natural salts are often prized for their mineral content, which adds a subtle sweetness and complexity. While “refined salt” is sometimes viewed negatively, it is essentially pure sodium chloride.
The Best Match: A common culinary rule of thumb is that seawater salt pairs beautifully with seafood, while rock salt (often imported to Japan) is the ideal companion for meat.
Flavored Varieties: You can find salts infused with truffle, matcha, or yuzu to add a gourmet twist. For this specific recipe, rock salt and coarsely ground black pepper are highly recommended to bring out the richness of the chicken.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 363 kcal
Protein: 34.2g
Fat: 27.5g
Carbs: 0g
Salt Equivalent: 4.4g

Ingredients (2 Servings)

Tebasaki (Chicken wings): 6 pieces (approx. 320g)
Salt: 4g (approx. 1.2% of the meat weight for optimal flavor)
Black pepper: To taste

Cooking Instructions Tebasaki Shioyaki

Prep the Meat: Use a paper towel to thoroughly wipe any moisture or impurities from the surface of the chicken wings. This ensures the skin gets extra crispy.
Season: Evenly rub the salt and pepper into the chicken wings.
Rest: Let the wings sit for 20 minutes. This allows the salt to penetrate the meat, ensuring it is seasoned all the way to the bone.
Arrange: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer, skin-side up.
Grill: Place the tray on the middle rack of the oven. Grill at 250°C for 25 minutes.
Finish: There is no need to flip the wings. Once the skin is golden brown and crispy, they are ready to serve.

Tip: Try serving these with a wedge of lemon or a dash of shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice) for an extra kick! Enjoy with your favorite salt and discover your preferred flavor profile. (˘︶˘♡)｡.:☆

Related link🔗

I used chicken tebanaka instead of tebasaki for this one!

Check out the recipes for the rest of the menu here:

Yakisoba with homemade sauce
Coleslaw

📖Read the Japanese version of this article here! [【おうち焼き鳥】手羽先の塩焼きレシピ。250℃のオーブンで皮パリ＆ジューシーに]　　

naokoan

Hi, I’m Naoko! I am a licensed Registered Dietitian in Japan, currently working in a hospital setting. My daily mission is to provide nutritious, healing meals to patients, ensuring that every dish supports their health and brings a smile to their face. My recipes are more than just cooking guides—they are built on scientific nutritional balance and clinical experience. Why I provide ingredients in grams (g): You might notice that all my recipes use precise gram measurements. This is because, as a dietitian, I believe that accuracy is the key to true health management. Whether you are tracking calories, managing salt intake, or simply want to recreate the exact flavor of a professional hospital kitchen, these measurements ensure your success and well-being. My Specialty: I specialize in high-pressure cooking and oven recipes that save time without sacrificing nutrition. My goal is to introduce the world to “Real Japanese Home Cooking”—dishes that are simple, budget-friendly, and body-friendly. I’m thrilled to share the wisdom of Japanese nutrition with you. Let’s cook our way to a healthier life!