Karaage Chicken: Crisp Japanese Fried Chicken

by KUIDOKORO

Karaage is Japanese fried chicken with a savory marinade and a light, crisp coating. It is joyful food: good with rice, lemon, and cold drinks.

Servings and Time

Serves 3-4. Prep time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes marinating. Cook time: 15 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sake or water
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • Potato starch, for coating
  • Neutral oil, for frying
  • Lemon wedges, to serve

Tools Used

A mixing bowl, tongs, thermometer, and deep fry pan or heavy pot are useful.

Steps

  1. Mix chicken with soy sauce, sake or water, ginger, and garlic. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Drain lightly, then coat each piece in potato starch.
  3. Heat oil to about 170 C / 340 F. Fry in batches until golden and cooked through.
  4. Rest briefly on a rack, then serve with lemon.

Serving Notes

Serve with shredded cabbage, rice, pickles, or tuck into a bento box.

Nutrition Note

Karaage is rich and satisfying. Balance it with rice, vegetables, and a lighter soup for a fuller meal.

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