Karaage

Crispy, juicy, and packed with umami, Karaage is Japan's take on fried chicken that’s a must-try for any foodie. This classic Japanese recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs infused with the bold flavors of soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic, ensuring every bite bursts with savory goodness. Coated in a light yet crisp mixture of potato starch and flour, and fried to perfection in hot oil, the result is irresistibly golden-brown pieces of heaven. Quick to prepare (just 20 minutes!) and ready to serve in under an hour, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Pair your karaage with zesty lemon wedges and creamy Kewpie mayonnaise for a taste sensation that will transport you straight to a bustling Japanese izakaya. Ideal for those craving authentic Japanese fried chicken, Karaage is a simple yet show-stopping recipe you'll turn to again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 0.5 cup potato starch
• 0.5 cup plain flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper
• 500 ml vegetable oil
• 1 whole lemon wedges
• 1 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ideally about 1.5 to 2 inches each.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, ideally up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.

Step 4

In a shallow dish, mix together the potato starch, plain flour, salt, and pepper.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat until the temperature reaches 170°C (340°F).

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated.

Step 7

Once the oil is ready, carefully add the chicken pieces into the oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 8

Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, ensuring to turn them halfway through cooking.

Step 9

Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 10

Serve the karaage hot with lemon wedges and a side of kewpie mayonnaise for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1385.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5699.3

Total Fat 507.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 284.1g
Cholesterol 479.9mg	0%
Sodium 4147.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 165.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.3g	0%
Total Sugars 3.8g
Protein 140.3g	0%

Vitamin D 35IU	0%
Calcium 118.2mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 1531.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.9%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 11.4%