Crispy Karaage Recipe (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Chicken seasoned with Kikkoman Soy Sauce and other ingredients, coated with flour, and deep-fried. The aroma and tenderness of the meat after frying are exceptional, making it a fun dish to make at home.

• by Yuko Ihara

Karaage is a dish in which meat or fish is flavored with seasonings and herbs, coated with flour, and deep-fried. In recent years, chicken Karaage has become very popular in Japan, and is now a standard dish served not only at home, but also at izakaya (Japanese style pubs) and diners. Since the flavor varies depending on the seasoning mixture, how the batter is applied, and the frying method, take-out restaurants specializing in chicken Karaage have become a common sight throughout the country, making it one of Japan's most popular national dishes.

Soy sauce is the key ingredient to seasoning chicken. It adds umami and richness to give the chicken a robust flavor. Soy sauce also goes well with aromatics such as ginger and garlic, making their flavors stand out even more.

It is important to season chicken until most of the seasonings are absorbed. This is because the seasoning not only adds flavor to the meat, but also compensates for the moisture released from the chicken during frying. Chicken that has been moistened will not become dry after frying and will retain its juices for a delicious deep-fried result.

When coating the chicken in flower to be deep-fried, squeeze each piece gently prior to placing in the frying oil. Doing this will lightly trap some air in the ball, allowing for a tender result after frying. Forming the shape this way also gives the Karaage a more appealing appearance and reduces uneven frying.

chicken thigh - 600g (21.16 oz.)

Kikkoman Soy Sauce - 2 Tbsp
cooking sake - 1 Tbsp
ginger (grated) - 1 tsp
garlic (grated) - 1 tsp

flour to be mixed in a bowl - 50g (1.76 oz.)
flour to coat the outside of the Karaage - as needed

cooking oil - as needed

lemon - 1/2 lemon, sliced into wedges

Karaage goes well with other foods like bread and vegetables. Try Karaage as a sandwich wrap by wrapping with flour tortillas! Also tastes great garnished with chipotle mayonnaise.

We recommend trying Karaage with tzatziki sauce, which can be made using Greek yogurt (drained) mixed with dill and cucumber. The refreshing acidity and aroma of tzatziki go great with Karaage!

Yes. If using chicken breast, slice it into thin strips for better texture and frying. The frying time will be shorter than for chicken thighs, so place the chicken in the oil and turn it over after 2 minutes, and then fry for another 2 minutes.

Having lived in England and the U.S., Yuko Ihara is well-versed in a wide range of culinary genres. As a culinary researcher, she creates dishes for magazines and books, develops corporate menus, and also engages in product development and food consulting. She introduces easy-to-follow tips on how to make delicious food at home, emphasizing the importance of seasonality and healthful eating. When travelling, she loves to search for delicious vegetables and ingredients.

Instagram: @iharayukoo