Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

from delish.com
15 min

This bite-size Japanese fried chicken is FULL of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp. garlic, minced or grated
  • 2 tbsp. sake
  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 
  • 1 1/2 lb. (about 5) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2" pieces
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 c. cornstarch
  • For serving: sliced green onions, Japanese (Kewpie) mayo, and lemon wedges

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together ginger, garlic, sake, soy sauce, brown sugar, and 1 tsp. salt. Add chicken pieces and stir to completely coat. Cover, refrigerate, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 1 hour.

  2. 2

    Line a baking sheet with paper towels, and set a wire rack inside. Fit a Dutch oven with a candy thermometer, and add oil 2” to 3” deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch and remaining 1 tsp. salt.

  4. 4

    Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the marinade and roll it in the flour mixture to coat. Gently shake off the excess flour mixture and transfer to a large plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

  5. 5

    Place 2 to 3 pieces in the oil and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. (Keep the oil temperature between 350-365 degrees F.) Transfer chicken to the wire rack. Repeat with remaining chicken.

  6. 6

    Garnish with green onions, Japanese mayo, and a squeeze of lemon to serve.