Karaage is a Japanese dish of fried chicken that is popular both inside and outside of Japan. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being coated in a mixture of flour and potato starch. Karaage can be served as is, or with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or tonkatsu sauce.
Ingredients
-1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-1 tablespoon sake
-1 teaspoon grated ginger
-1 garlic clove, minced
-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
-1/4 cup potato starch
-Vegetable oil, for frying
Method
1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and place in a resealable bag. Add the soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic to the bag and mix well. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and potato starch.
3. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the chicken to the wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot with soy sauce or tonkatsu sauce.
Potential changes & improvements
-Try using different types of flour for the coating, such as rice flour or cornstarch.
-Add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
-Try marinating the chicken in different flavors, such as yuzu kosho or miso.
What other food it works well with
Karaage goes well with rice, noodles, or salad. It can also be served as an appetizer or main course.
Common Mistakes
-Not marinating the chicken long enough. The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, for the best flavor.
-Not coating the chicken evenly. Make sure to coat the chicken in the flour mixture evenly so that it cooks evenly.
-Not cooking the chicken long enough. The chicken should be cooked until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
Nutritional Information
Allergens:
-Soy
-Wheat
-Chicken