Shio Koji Karaage
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
439 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Japanese
Shio Koji Karaage
Description
This recipe starts with boneless, skin-on chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces that are marinated in shio koji, grated ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Shio koji, a fermented seasoning, tenderizes the meat while adding subtle salty sweetness and umami. The marinade time of at least 30 minutes or longer allows flavors to infuse thoroughly.
Before frying, the chicken is coated in potato starch, which crisps up in the hot neutral oil deep-fry at about 320–335ºF. The coating traps moisture inside and forms a crunchy crust. Frying in batches ensures even cooking and avoids overcrowding the oil.
Once golden brown, the karaage is drained on paper towels to remove excess oil and served hot with lemon wedges. The fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, adding brightness to the tender, juicy chicken with a crispy exterior.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces, boneless, skin-on
- 4 Tbsp shio koji (I used Hikari Miso Shio Koji)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated, with juice; from a 1-inch, 2.5-cm knob)
- 1 tsp garlic (grated)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ cup potato starch or cornstarch
- 3 cups neutral oil
- lemon to serve, wedges
Instructions
- Combine the 1-inch pieces of 1 lb boneless, skin-on chicken thighs with 4 Tbsp shio koji, 1 tsp ginger (grated, with juice), 1 tsp garlic (crushed), and 1 tsp soy sauce in a bowl or large plastic bag. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Heat up a pot of 3 cups neutral oil for deep-frying. The ideal temperature is about 320–335ºF (160–170ºC).
- When the oil is almost ready, add ½ cup potato starch or cornstarch to the bowl or plastic bag with the chicken. Mix and coat the chicken with the starch.
- Gently drop each piece of chicken into the pot of hot oil and deep-fry until golden brown.
To Serve
- When it’s done, transfer the chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels. Continue with a new batch to deep-fry. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 439 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 439kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 111mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 508mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 376mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 89IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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