Nothing beats bite-sized, crispy, and juicy Japanese Karaage Chicken when you’re craving comfort food with a cultural twist. This delicious Japanese fried chicken is marinated in savory flavors, then fried to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare, totally satisfying, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
SEE MORE CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN RECIPES HERE ➡️
Why You’ll Love Karaage
Karaage is the Japanese take on fried chicken, but with a distinctly rich and umami-packed flavor profile thanks to a soy, garlic, and ginger marinade. The result? Incredibly flavorful chicken with a shatteringly crisp exterior and juicy, tender interior.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- ½ cup potato starch or cornstarch
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Lightly toss the chicken in potato starch until fully coated.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep pan to about 2 inches deep and heat to 340°F (170°C).
4. Fry the Chicken (First Fry)
Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3-4 minutes, until lightly golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove and rest on a rack.
5. Fry Again for Extra Crisp
Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken again for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve with lemon wedges and optionally a side of Japanese mayo for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer, dinner main, or party snack!
Quick Tips
- Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness.
- Potato starch makes the crust extra crispy.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Double fry for that signature karaage crunch.
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📌 Follow Me on PinterestFinal Thoughts
Japanese Karaage Chicken is everything you love about fried chicken—amped up with savory umami flavor and a super crispy crust. Once you try it, it’ll be on repeat for weeknight dinners, gatherings, and anytime cravings strike.
SEE MORE CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN RECIPES HERE ➡️
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I hope you found something you love. Stay inspired — XOXO,
