12 Mar 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp spice mix
1 tbsp ginger root
4 chicken thighs
1 cup corn flour
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
Karaage chicken is a popular Japanese dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken thighs that are coated in a crispy, flavorful crust and deep-fried to perfection. This recipe is straightforward and guarantees delicious results every time. Whether you're preparing a meal for family or entertaining guests, Karaage chicken is sure to impress.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of your chosen spice mix, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger root. Mix thoroughly to form the marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-2 inch pieces).
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2 hours or up to overnight.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of corn flour and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose white wheat flour. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour and place coated chicken pieces on a plate or tray.
5. Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan or pot to submerge the chicken pieces (about 1-2 inches deep).
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 170°C (340°F). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter in it; if it sizzles and floats to the top, it’s ready.
6. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add a few pieces of the coated chicken into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry each piece for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve:
- Transfer the fried chicken to a serving platter.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Karaage Chicken with a side of lemon wedges and a dipping sauce such as mayonnaise or a spicy aioli.
Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry before coating with flour to achieve a crispier texture.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 170°C (340°F) to avoid burning or undercooking the chicken.
- Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and to ensure each piece cooks evenly.
With its perfect balance of flavor and texture, Karaage chicken is a delightful dish that is worth the effort. Follow these steps and tips, and you'll be rewarded with crispy, succulent chicken that will leave everyone craving for more. Serve hot and enjoy with a sprinkle of lemon juice or a side of dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.