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Crispy Chicken Karaage

Crispy Chicken Karaage: Juicy Bites You Can't Resist

Crispy Chicken Karaage is a classic Japanese dish, offering juicy, flavorful bites with a crunchy exterior that you can't resist.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 3 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce Substitute with regular soy sauce for a less intense taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey You can substitute with sugar or maple syrup.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger Ground ginger can substitute but use less (1 tsp).
  • 2 tablespoons Sake Can be substituted with dry sherry, vermouth, or omitted.
For the Chicken
  • 500 grams Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs Juicy and tender, ideal protein.
For the Breading
  • 1 cup Potato Starch Cornflour or rice flour can be used if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Flour All-purpose or gluten-free flour works well.
For Frying
  • 4 cups Sunflower Oil High smoke point oils like canola are great options.

Equipment

  • Deep fryer
  • shallow dish
  • Bowl
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, trimming visible fat. Place in a bowl to prepare for marinating.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sake in a bowl. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and marinate for at least one hour.
  3. Prepare the Breading: Mix potato starch and flour in a shallow dish ensuring even distribution.
  4. Heat the Oil: Heat sunflower oil to 160-165°C (320-329°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  5. Fry the Chicken (First Fry): Add marinated chicken in small batches and fry for about 90 seconds until light golden. Drain excess oil.
  6. Fry the Chicken (Second Fry): Increase oil temperature to 190°C (375°F) and fry for an additional 45 seconds to 1 minute until crispy.
  7. Drain and Check Temperature: Place on paper towels to absorb oil. Ensure internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and wasabi mayo for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gramsCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight if possible. Maintain oil temperature for optimal frying results.

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