Chicken Karaage (Sesame Fried Chicken)

User Reviews

4.6

88 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Marinate Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    50 mins

  • Servings

    2 people

  • Calories

    361 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Japanese

Chicken Karaage (Sesame Fried Chicken)

Chicken Karaage features bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in sake, soy sauce, ginger juice, and sesame oil, then coated in cornstarch and double-fried until golden and crisp. The exterior delivers a crunchy texture while the inside remains juicy and tender. This Japanese fried chicken is commonly served hot with lemon and mayonnaise to complement its savory and slightly aromatic flavor.

Description

Chicken Karaage (Sesame Fried Chicken) is a dish of cubed chicken breast or thighs marinated in a mixture of sake, soy sauce, freshly extracted ginger juice, and sesame oil. The marination tenderizes the meat and imparts a subtle ginger fragrance. The chicken is then coated evenly with cornstarch, which creates a light but crisp crust when deep fried twice. The first fry cooks the chicken through, and the second fry crisps the exterior to a crunchy golden brown.

The method of double frying ensures a satisfying contrast between a crunchy outside and a moist interior. The use of fresh ginger juice adds a fresh zing, while sesame oil lends a mild nutty aroma. A squeeze of lemon and a side of mayonnaise provide a balancing tang and creaminess when serving.

This chicken is typically eaten hot, straight from the fryer, making it a good choice for snacks, appetizers, or alongside rice dishes. The cornstarch coating is lighter than flour, keeping the texture less heavy but still crisp.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pound (500g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes, boneless and skinless
  • 6 tablespoons sake Japanese cooking
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 inches (7cm) ginger peeled and pounded with a mortar and pestle to extract 2 tablespoons ginger juice, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • cornstarch
  • neutral cooking oil for deep frying, generic cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry and transfer it to a bowl. Add the sake, soy sauce, ginger juice, and sesame oil, and marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for best results). Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and coat them evenly with cornstarch in a plastic bag, such as a Ziplock. Shake off the excess cornstarch.
  2. Heat a wok or pot of cooking oil. When the oil is hot enough for frying (350°F - 375°F or 176°C - 190°C), carefully drop in the chicken and quickly deep fry until the pieces float. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
  3. Return the chicken to the oil and deep-fry again until golden brown and crunchy. Transfer to a plate or bowl lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with a slice of lemon and mayonnaise.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2people Calories 361kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 51g (102%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 0.03g (2%) Cholesterol 145mg (48%) Sodium 1774mg (74%) Potassium 951mg (20%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 68IU (1%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 361 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2people
Calories 361kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 51g 102%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0.03g 2%
Cholesterol 145mg 48%
Sodium 1774mg 74%
Potassium 951mg 20%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 68IU 1%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.6

88 reviews
Excellent

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