Shiitake Yakitori

Instructions

1. Prepare the yakitori sauce
   In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Add garlic and ginger, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the mushrooms
   Clean the shiitake mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove stems. In a bowl, toss the mushrooms with vegetable oil to lightly coat them. Thread 2 mushrooms onto each skewer, cap side up.
3. Preheat the grill
   Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and glowing with a light coating of ash.
4. Grill the mushrooms
   Place the skewered mushrooms on the grill. Cook for about 2 minutes, then flip and brush generously with the yakitori sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, then flip again and brush with more sauce. Continue cooking and basting until the mushrooms are tender and caramelized, about 6-8 minutes total.
5. Final glaze
   During the last minute of cooking, brush the mushrooms one final time with the sauce to create a glossy glaze.
6. Garnish and serve
   Transfer the grilled shiitake yakitori to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.