Chicken Karaage (Sesame Fried Chicken)
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Marinate Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
2 people
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Calories
361 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Japanese
Chicken Karaage (Sesame Fried Chicken)
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.