Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage)
Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken, or Chicken Karaage, is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken with a perfectly crunchy coating. This recipe captures the essence of Japan’s street food scene in your kitchen, offering succulent bites seasoned with garlic and ginger. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo, this dish guarantees an explosion of flavor with every bite. Serve it with Kewpie mayonnaise for dipping, and savor the delightful aromas as you recreate this unforgettable experience at home.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake or mirin
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 3 cups)
- ¼ cup Kewpie mayonnaise for serving
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sake/mirin. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Prepare the coating: On a plate, spread cornstarch. Dredge marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- 3. Heat the oil: In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- 4. Fry the chicken: Add chicken in batches; fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- 5. Serve: Plate the fried chicken and drizzle with Kewpie mayonnaise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg