Description
Learn how to make authentic Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic, then double-fried for ultimate crispiness. Perfect for a family dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup potato starch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Japanese mayonnaise, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours for deeper flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix potato starch and all-purpose flour until well combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 170°C (340°F). Use enough oil to submerge chicken pieces halfway.
- Remove chicken pieces from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Maintain oil temperature between batches.
- Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional Japanese mayonnaise for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow flavors to fully penetrate.
- Double-frying (frying once, resting, then frying again) creates an extra crispy exterior.
- Karaage can be served hot or cold and makes excellent bento box or picnic food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 5 pieces)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 22 g
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