It’s not that chicken karaage is better than your normal fried chicken. It’s that it is SO much better that the Colonel might just retire out of respect.
We apologize to traditional fried chicken, but it’s time to move over and welcome a new Emperor.
Chicken Karaage is everyone’s favorite Japanese style fried chicken dish. It is made by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken, typically thigh for its richer flavor and succulent texture, in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic. 
The marinade infuses the meat with a blend of kick-ass flavors, and also ensures that each bite stays moist and aromatic throughout the frying process. The chicken is then dredged in potato starch or cornstarch, giving it a unique texture that sets it apart from other fried chicken varieties.
The result is a golden, crispy exterior that encases the tender, flavorful meat within, creating perfect texture and flavor that is as satisfying as it is addictive.
Sorry Colonel!
How to Make Chicken Karaage
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a non-reactive bowl, mix together the sake, soy sauce, shredded garlic, shredded ginger, powdered fish broth, and shichimi togarashi.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
Prepare for Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a tall-sided heavy pot on the stove to 350°F (177°C). If using a pot, fill it no more than half full.
- Place potato starch in a shallow dish for dredging.
Fry the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in potato starch, tapping off the excess.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding, for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from oil and drain on a tray lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving:
- Arrange the fried chicken on a warmed serving platter.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, parsley, and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi.
- Serve immediately with your choice of salt varieties on the side for dipping.
Recipe Notes:
- Ensure chicken pieces are dried before marinating to allow better absorption of flavors.
- Test oil temperature by dropping a small amount of potato starch; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot; it lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy chicken.
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying can enhance its crispiness.
How to Make Chicken Karaage
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
It’s not that chicken karaage is better than your normal fried chicken. It’s that it is SO much better that the Colonel might just retire out of respect.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp sake
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 3/4 tsp garlic, shredded
- 3/4 tsp ginger, shredded
- 1 tsp powdered fish broth
- Pinch of shichimi togarashi (seven flavor chili pepper)
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- 1/2 cup potato starch
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Parsley, for garnish
- Optional for serving: real salt from Utah, Himalayan crystal salt, hakata no shio (salt from Ehime, Japan)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a non-reactive bowl, mix together the sake, soy sauce, shredded garlic, shredded ginger, powdered fish broth, and shichimi togarashi.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours.
Prepare for Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a tall-sided heavy pot on the stove to 350°F (177°C). If using a pot, fill it no more than half full.
- Place potato starch in a shallow dish for dredging.
Fry the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in potato starch, tapping off the excess.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding, for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from oil and drain on a tray lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving:
- Arrange the fried chicken on a warmed serving platter.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, parsley, and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi.
- Serve immediately with your choice of salt varieties on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are dried before marinating to allow better absorption of flavors.
- Test oil temperature by dropping a small amount of potato starch; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot; it lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy chicken.
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying can enhance its crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Marinating Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
