Simple tools make all the difference when grilling yakitori. Here are the four essentials to have on hand. These first appeared in our June/July 2013 issue along with Tadashi Ono’s article The Japanese Grill.
Binchotan Charcoal
Japanese white oak charcoal provides intense, virtually smokeless, long-burning heat. Binchotan charcoal, $50 for a 5-lb. bag at korin.com
Fan
A handheld fan helps start a fire or revive dwindling coals with a gust of oxygen-rich air. Hand fan, $7 each at mtckitchen.com »
Konro Grill
The rectangular shape of this traditional charcoal grill concentrates heat. Remove the grate, and you can balance skewers across it. 12-inch Konro grill, $169 at korin.com. For a custom grate for your grill (prices vary), contact YM Custom Grill Grates at ymigrate.com.
Saibashi
Extra-long kitchen chopsticks are used to flip and turn delicate ingredients like grilled tomatoes. Saibashi chopsticks, $1 for a pair at mtckitchen.com
