Seseri (せせり)

Seseri is meat you can find around the neck of a chicken. It is popular for its firm and chewy texture and juicy, fatty taste, but it is actually a rare cut that locals obtained in very small quantities from a single chicken! In this article, we will explain the characteristics of Seseri. We will also introduce delicious ways to eat it, so be sure to check it out.

What is Seseri?

Seseri (せせり) refers to a specific cut of chicken commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is the meat that locals take from the neck of the chicken, known for its firm texture and rich, flavorful taste due to the high amount of movement in that area. Seseri is particularly popular in yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) and grilled over charcoal with simple seasonings like salt or tare (a sweet-savory soy-based sauce). Its chewy yet juicy texture makes it a favorite among yakitori enthusiasts in Japan.

Characteristics of Seseri

The characteristics of Seseri are its chewy texture and rich, fatty flavor. The area around the chicken’s neck, where this dish is located, has well-developed muscles because it moves around a lot when eating, drinking, and walking. It has a firm texture, allowing you to enjoy its plump and juicy flavor.

Seseri History

Seseri (せせり), the meat from the neck of the chicken, has been a valued part of Japanese cuisine, particularly in yakitori culture. Historically, Japanese cooking has emphasized minimizing waste and utilizing every part of an ingredient, including poultry. While chicken consumption in Japan dates back centuries, the rise of yakitori as a popular dish during the Edo period (1603–1868) contributed to the appreciation of various chicken cuts, including seseri. However, due to the small amount of meat per bird and the labor-intensive process of harvesting it, this dish was not as widely available as more common cuts like thigh or breast.

How to eat Seseri?

Seseri is a flavorful and versatile cut of chicken that you can enjoy in various ways. Commonly grilled as yakitori, where locals enhanced its juiciness and umami over charcoal with simple salt or sauce seasoning. It also works well in stir-fried dishes with vegetables and seasonings like soy sauce or oyster sauce. A popular izakaya dish, seseri ponzu, pairs grilled chicken neck with ponzu sauce and lemon for a refreshing taste. Its chewy texture makes it ideal for deep-frying or tempura, offering a crispy yet juicy bite. Additionally, this dish adds rich umami to stews and hotpots, where its fat blends into the broth for a deep, savory flavor.

FAQ

Restaurants

Kudo Miyakojima Branch (喰う道 都島店)

This charcoal-grilled yakitori izakaya is located in Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City, a 3-minute walk from Miyakojima Station. Our specialty, seseri (chicken neck meat), is known for its plump and juicy flavor. You can enjoy yakitori, as well as seared and fried chicken prepared in a variety of ways. Each skewer is handmade and carefully grilled over charcoal. We offer a wide variety of over 70 dishes at reasonable prices. The tatami room on the 2nd floor can accommodate up to 40 people, making it ideal for large banquets.

Address : 3-24-18 Miyakojimahondori, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 
Phone number : 050-5462-5937 
Business hours :
Monday – Thursday: 17:00 – 24:00 (Last Order 23:30) 
Friday, Saturday, Holidays,
Day before holidays: 17:00 – 26:00 (Last Order 25:30) 
Sunday: 12:00 – 24:00 (Last Order 23:30) 
Website : https://kudo-miyakojima.foodre.jp

Final Thoughts

Seseri is a delicious and versatile cut of chicken that truly showcases the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine. Whether enjoyed as smoky yakitori, in a flavorful stir-fry, or crispy and fried, its unique texture and umami make it a must-try for any food lover. If you ever visit Japan, be sure to seek out this dish at yakitori restaurants or local markets—you won’t be disappointed!

If you enjoyed learning about seseri, you might also want to try other flavorful chicken cuts like bonjiri (chicken tail) or sunagimo (gizzard), which offer unique textures and rich umami in Japanese cuisine!