This Yakitori Chicken Burger with Teriyaki Glaze is a gourmet twist on the traditional yakitori skewers of Japan. Juicy, tender ground chicken is infused with rich umami flavors, then grilled to perfection and generously coated with a sticky, sweet teriyaki glaze. Served on a toasted brioche bun with crisp vegetables, this burger delivers a mouthwatering balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, panko, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork the mixture.
Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about ¾ inch thick. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to set.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, mirin, and honey. Bring to a simmer, and then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the mixture thickens into a glossy glaze, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken patties for about 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
During the last minute of cooking, brush the patties generously with the prepared teriyaki glaze. Let the glaze caramelize slightly.
Assemble the burgers: Spread kewpie mayonnaise on the bottom half of each brioche bun, add a handful of shredded cabbage, place the glazed chicken patty, sprinkle with scallions, and top with the other half of the bun.
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Notes
For extra umami, you can grill the buns with a light spread of butter.
The patties can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.