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Irresistibly Crispy Karaage

  • Author: madison
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Paleo

Description

A delicious and crispy Japanese fried chicken recipe that is perfect for gatherings or as a comforting meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 kg boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp ginger, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp garlic, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sake
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup corn starch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups neutral frying oil
  • 1/2 cup Kewpie mayo or regular mayo
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt


Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
  2. Mix in the grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sake, kosher salt, and black pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated in this marinade.
  3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.
  4. Prepare your coating station. Set up one bowl with the corn starch, another with the all-purpose flour, and a whisked egg in a third bowl.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Divide each piece into the corn starch, then the egg, and finish with the flour to create a nice, even coating.
  6. Heat the neutral oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
  7. Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  8. Fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown, then remove and let drain on paper towels.
  9. Mix the Kewpie mayo with lemon juice and extra garlic while the chicken cooks.
  10. Serve with the creamy mayo on the side.

Notes

For double-crispy karaage, fry once to cook the chicken, let it rest briefly, and fry again for extra crunch.