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Crispy Chicken Karaage

Crispy Chicken Karaage: Your New Favorite Comfort Food!

Crispy Chicken Karaage is a must-try Japanese comfort food that delivers savory flavors and delightful crunch, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 6 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger, finely grated Can be replaced with powdered ginger in a pinch.
  • 1 tbsp Sake Substitute with dry sherry or vermouth if unavailable.
  • 1/4 cup Dark Soy Sauce Substitute with regular soy sauce for less intensity.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Can be substituted with sugar (1 tsp).
For the Chicken
  • 450 g Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs Chicken breast can be used but may result in a drier texture.
For the Coating
  • 30 g Potato Starch Cornstarch or rice flour can be used if potato starch is unavailable.
  • 30 g Flour All-purpose flour works well.
For Frying
  • Sunflower Oil Any neutral oil works, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Equipment

  • Deep fryer
  • mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • slotted spoon
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Cut the skinless boneless chicken thighs into quarter-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, dark soy sauce, sake, and finely grated fresh ginger. Add the chicken pieces and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Prepare coating by blending potato starch and flour in a separate bowl.
  4. Heat sunflower oil to 160-165°C (320-329°F) in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot.
  5. Coat marinated chicken in prepared flour mixture, drop into hot oil, and fry for about 90 seconds.
  6. Increase oil temperature to 190°C (375°F) and fry chicken again in batches for another 45 seconds to 1 minute.
  7. Place fried chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil, ensuring it's crispy.
  8. Serve hot alongside lemon wedges and wasabi mayo.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Aim for marination of at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better to enhance flavor.

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