Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage) 

Karaage is Japan’s beloved take on fried chicken—juicy, marinated thigh pieces coated in a crisp potato-starch flour mix, then double-fried to achieve a crackling golden exterior. Finished with a squeeze of lemon or a side of Kewpie mayo, this dish is the perfect blend of umami, crunch, and comfort. Ideal for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or bento box stars.

Ingredients

(Adapted from Just One Cookbook as the closest trusted source to SandraRecipe)

• 1½ lb boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
  
  

• ½ tsp kosher salt
  
  

• ⅛ tsp black pepper
  
  

• ½ tsp grated ginger
  
  

• 1 clove garlic, grated
  
  

• ½–1 tbsp soy sauce
  
  

• ½ tbsp sake (or dry sherry/rice wine)
  
  

• ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
  
  

• 2 tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)
  
  

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  
  

• 3–4 cups neutral oil for frying
  
  

• Optional: lemon wedges, Kewpie mayonnaise, shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice)
  
  

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sake, and sesame oil. Toss to coat, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

2. Prepare Frying Setup
   Heat neutral oil in a deep pot to about 325 °F (160 °C). Separately, place flour and potato starch in shallow dishes.
   
   

3. Dredge the Chicken
   Lightly coat each piece of chicken with flour, shake off excess, then dredge in potato starch.
   
   

4. Fry First Time
   Fry chicken in batches for about 90 seconds until lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
   
   

5. Double-Fry for Crispiness
   Increase oil temp to about 350 °F (180 °C) and fry again for 45 seconds—or until crispy and deep golden. Transfer back to rack.
   
   

6. Serve
   Plate hot and serve with optional lemon wedges, Kewpie mayo, or shichimi togarashi. 

Nutrients (Estimated per serving)

Using multiple credible sources to estimate nutrition:

• One piece (~37 g):
  
  

  • Calories: 106 kcal
    
    

  • Fat: 7 g
    
    

  • Protein: 6 g
    
    

  • Carbs: 4.9 g
    
    

  • Sodium: 146 mg