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Crispy Crunchy Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Recipe

Irresistibly Crispy Crunchy Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage Recipe

This Crispy Crunchy Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) recipe offers a satisfying crunch and tender chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 500 grams Boneless Chicken Thighs You can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Tamari can be used for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Sake (or Rice Wine) Feel free to replace it with dry white wine or omit for a non-alcoholic dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger Ginger powder works as a substitute.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Cornstarch Potato starch can be used as a substitute.
For Frying
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil Canola or peanut oil can be used for different flavors.

Equipment

  • Deep frying pan

Method
 

How to Make Crispy Crunchy Japanese Fried Chicken
  1. Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
  2. In a separate bowl, place cornstarch. Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl, shake off any excess marinade, and coat each piece with cornstarch until evenly covered.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). To check if it's hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread—if bubbles start forming, your oil is ready!
  4. Carefully add marinated and coated chicken pieces in batches, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain off excess oil and keep that crunch intact.
  6. Enjoy your crispy goodness while it's hot! Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs and serve with fluffy rice or a vibrant salad.

Notes

For best results, marinate overnight and ensure oil is at the proper temperature for optimum crispiness.