Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Recipe
Experience the irresistible crunch and savory flavor of Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) – a dish that brings joy to every gathering!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (up to an additional hour for marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1. **Marinate the Chicken**: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- 2. **Prepare the Coating**: In another bowl, add cornstarch. Optionally mix in salt and pepper.
- 3. **Heat the Oil**: In a deep skillet or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge chicken pieces halfway. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles immediately, it's ready.
- 4. **Fry the Chicken**: Remove marinated chicken from the bowl and dredge in cornstarch. Shake off excess and gently place into hot oil. Fry in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- 5. **Drain Excess Oil**: Transfer fried chicken onto paper towels to drain any excess oil for a minute.
- 6. **Serve It Up**: Serve chicken on plates or a large platter with lemon wedges for squeezing fresh juice over before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg