Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken Thighs)
Juicy, deeply seasoned thigh meat encased in a supercrispy crust makes Japanese karaage a fried chicken lover's dream. Minimal oil and fast frying make it a cinch to cook.
A cookbook recipe exclusively for ATK Essential members from One-Hour ComfortGather Your Ingredients
Key Equipment
Before You Begin
We recommend using a rasp-style grater to grate the ginger. Do not substitute chicken breasts for the thighs; they will dry out during frying. There's no need to take the temperature of the chicken; it will be cooked through by the time it is golden brown and crispy. Leftover frying oil can be cooled, strained, and saved for later use.
Instructions
1.
Combine soy sauce, sake, ginger, garlic, sugar, and salt in medium bowl. Add chicken and toss to combine. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. While chicken is marinating, line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set wire rack in second rimmed baking sheet and line rack with triple layer of paper towels. Place cornstarch in wide bowl.
2.
Lift chicken from marinade, 1 piece at a time, allowing excess marinade to drip back into bowl but leaving any garlic or ginger bits on chicken. Coat chicken with cornstarch, shake off excess, and place on parchment-lined sheet.
3.
Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 325 degrees. While oil heats, check chicken pieces for white patches of dry cornstarch. Dip back of spoon in reserved marinade and gently press onto dry spots to lightly moisten.
4.
Using tongs, add half of chicken, 1 piece at a time, to oil in single layer. Cook, adjusting burner, if necessary, to maintain oil temperature between 300 and 325 degrees, until chicken is golden brown and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Using spider skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer chicken to paper towel-lined rack. Return oil to 325 degrees and repeat with remaining chicken. Serve with lemon wedges.
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