Japanese BBQ, or Yakiniku, is more than just grilling meat—it’s an experience of rich flavors, impeccable preparation, and shared enjoyment around the table. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or planning a weekend feast, curating the right ingredients is key to recreating the authenticity of a Japanese BBQ right here in Singapore.
This guide highlights 12 must-have ingredients to make your Yakiniku night unforgettable. From premium meats to traditional sauces, we’ve got you covered to recreate that sizzling Japanese BBQ vibe!
What Makes Japanese BBQ Unique?
The beauty of Japanese BBQ Singapore lies in its simplicity. Instead of heavy marinades, Yakiniku focuses on high-quality, fresh ingredients that shine with minimal seasoning. The star of the show is typically the meat, cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill, accompanied by light, flavorful sides and dipping sauces. The experience itself is equally important—a shared table, conversational grilling, and a focus on enjoying every bite.
Now, let’s get into the essentials that will elevate your Japanese BBQ to perfection.
1. Wagyu Beef
No Japanese BBQ is complete without the melt-in-your-mouth indulgence of Wagyu beef. Known for its intricate marbling and buttery texture, Wagyu is a universal favorite for grilling. Look for A5 Wagyu—Japan’s highest-grade beef—for an unmatched experience. Popular cuts for grilling include ribeye, striploin, and short ribs (Karubi).
Pro tip: Slice the beef into thin strips for even cooking and serve it with a light sprinkle of salt to enhance its flavor.
Where to Buy in Singapore
- Don Don Donki: A trusted retailer for fresh Japanese Wagyu.
- Huber’s Butchery: Premium cuts perfect for BBQ.
2. Pork Belly (Buta Bara)
Juicy, tender pork belly (buta bara) is a BBQ staple. Its fat renders beautifully over the grill, creating a flavorful and smoky crust that pairs well with dipping sauces like soy-miso or sesame-based options.
Suggested pairing: Grill pork belly slices until crispy and dip them into a tangy yuzu sauce for a citrusy kick.
Local Sources
- Isetan Scotts Supermarket: Known for high-quality Japanese imports.
- Zac Butchery: Offers fresh, quality pork belly.
3. Chicken Thigh (Tori Momo)
Marinated chicken thigh is a crowd-pleaser on any Yakiniku menu. Thigh meat is preferred for its tenderness and ability to retain juices perfectly while grilling. Consider a miso-based marinade or a soy-garlic glaze to infuse flavor.
Grilling tip: Use skewers to cook small bite-sized portions for easy flipping and even caramelization.
Where to Source
- Cold Storage Kallang: Fresh chicken cuts available daily.
4. Seafood
If you’re including seafood in your Japanese BBQ, look no further than scallops, prawns, and squid rings. The natural sweetness of seafood balances the richness of meat on any BBQ menu. Don’t forget to grill the seafood quickly to retain its moisture.
Pairing idea: Serve grilled scallops with a brush of miso butter for a satisfyingly umami-rich bite.
Best Finds in Singapore
- Tekka Market: Excellent for fresh seafood at competitive prices.
- Meidi-Ya Supermarket: Offers Japanese-imported seafood perfect for grilling.
5. Vegetables for Grilling
Balance out the meats with a selection of fresh vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, sweet corn, zucchini, and bell peppers. Grilled veggies add color, texture, and a smoky sweetness to your plate.
Grilling tip: Brush your veggies with sesame oil before grilling to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Local Grocers
- Redmart
- NTUC Finest
6. Japanese Rice
A Japanese BBQ spread is incomplete without a side of fluffy, fragrant rice. Premium Koshihikari rice, known for its slight sweetness and sticky texture, is the perfect accompaniment for grilled dishes.
Serve it alongside the meats or turn it into rice balls (Onigiri) for grilling.
Where to Find
- Don Don Donki: Offers authentic Japanese rice varieties.
7. Shiso Leaves
These fragrant, minty Japanese leaves are a BBQ wildcard. Use them as wraps for grilled meats, similar to how lettuce wraps are used in Korean BBQ. The fresh, peppery flavor of shiso perfectly complements the savory richness of grilled proteins.
Available at most Japanese specialty stores in Singapore like Meidi-Ya Supermarket.
8. Japanese BBQ Sauce (Yakiniku Tare)
Elevate your BBQ with authentic dipping sauces. Classic tare hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. Choose from soy-based, miso-based, or citrus-based sauces.
DIY: Make your own tare by mixing soy sauce, mirin, sake, sesame oil, and garlic.
Pre-Made Options
- Kikkoman Yakiniku Tare: Available at Japanese grocery stores.
9. Miso Butter
Infuse your BBQ with umami richness using miso butter. A simple mix of miso paste and softened butter works wonders on seafood, vegetables, and even steak.
Application Tip: Brush it over scallops or sweet corn for an irresistible flavor boost.
Available pre-mixed at specialty stores like Don Don Donki.
10. Wasabi Mayo
For a bold and creamy dipping sauce, try wasabi mayo. Its tangy heat complements grilled meats and seafood beautifully.
Where to Purchase
Stores like Little Farms and Cold Storage offer pre-made wasabi mayo.
Alternatively, combine mayonnaise with Japanese wasabi paste for a quick homemade version.
11. Kimchi
While not traditionally Japanese, kimchi has become a popular side for BBQ. Its tangy, spicy flavor cuts through the richness of grilled meats, offering a mouthwatering contrast.
Finding Kimchi in Singapore
- The Butcher’s Table
- FairPrice Finest
12. Japanese Beverages
A BBQ is nothing without refreshing drinks. Complement your feast with Japanese beers like Sapporo, a crisp sake, or even green tea.
You can find a range of beverage options at stores like Sake Inn or Don Don Donki.
Creating the Perfect BBQ Setup
To complete your Yakiniku setup, make sure you have the proper tools like a portable grill, tongs, and bamboo skewers. If you’re worried about smoke indoors, look for electric or smokeless grills available at stores like Harvey Norman.
Host a Memorable Japanese BBQ in Singapore
With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, you can create an authentic Japanese BBQ experience like in Tengoku right in your own backyard—or even your kitchen! By paying attention to the details, from premium Wagyu cuts to perfectly grilled vegetables and dipping sauces, you’re sure to impress your guests.
Feeling inspired? Start shopping for the ultimate BBQ experience today. Your table is your canvas; grill up something unforgettable!