Sunagimo: I Tried the Unique Grilled Gizzard Yakitori Snack
“Yakitori (焼き鳥)” is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of chunks of grilled chicken on a skewer, which, in Japan, is often eaten as an accompaniment for beer or “Otsumami (おつまみ)”.
For Yakitori, various portions of chicken meat are prepared, and the typical ingredient includes “Sunagimo (砂肝)” or gizzard.
The skewered grilled chicken is either lightly salted or seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, but the Sunagimo meat is almost always lightly salted and often served with lemon.
Sunagimo Yakitori Otsumami Snack
In general, the grilled Yakitori meat is characterized by its juiciness and tenderness, and until recently I had never seen it come in the form of a snack, even though it is sometimes used as flavoring.
But yesterday, I came across this Sunagimo Yakitori Otsumami snack (Price: 300 yen/ about 2.7 USD) at a convenience store (7 Eleven) and wondered what its texture is like. So I bought one for sampling.
Texture and Taste
The result is the cooked gizzard is vacuum-packed and retains its original texture. Despite its somewhat bizarre appearance, the meat is tender, well-seasoned, and quite delicious!
Although the chicken gizzard usually has a distinctive taste which has people divided between those who like it and those who hate it, this snack is very easy to eat, and I think everyone can like it.
Ingredients and Nutrition Facts
Lastly, for people who want to know the specific ingredients, nutrition facts, and calories of this Japanese treat, here is the label.
