Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken Recipe with Honey Mayoster Sauce

Karaage, a popular Japanese dish, is a crispy, juicy fried chicken that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Unlike your typical fried chicken, Karaage is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, giving it a unique and delightful flavor. The dish has its roots in Japan and is often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal. In this recipe, we take the classic Karaage up a notch by pairing it with a delectable Honey Mayoster Sauce, a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that complements the savory fried chicken perfectly.

What Does Karaage Mean in Japanese Food?

The term “karaage” (pronounced kah-rah-ah-geh) refers to a cooking technique where foods, typically chicken, are marinated and then coated with potato starch before being deep-fried. This method results in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Karaage is a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found in bento boxes, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and even convenience stores like 7-Eleven in Japan.

Ingredients

For the Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch (for coating)
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Honey Mayoster Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

Preparing the Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
2. Coating the Chicken:
   • After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. In a shallow dish, spread the potato starch or cornstarch.
   • Coat each piece of marinated chicken evenly with the starch, shaking off any excess. This coating will give the chicken its signature crispiness.
3. Frying the Chicken:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
   • Fry the chicken in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Preparing the Honey Mayoster Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
   • Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. Serve:
   • Transfer the sauce to a small serving dish. This sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for dipping the crispy Karaage chicken.

Tips and Variations

Cooking Tips:

• Marination Time: For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to fully penetrate the meat.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, and adjust the heat as needed.
• Resting Time: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes on a wire rack. This helps to drain excess oil and keeps the chicken crispy.

Variations:

• Spicy Karaage: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Karaage: For a citrusy twist, add the zest of one lemon to the marinade and serve the chicken with lemon wedges.
• Sauce Variations: The Honey Mayoster Sauce can be modified by adding a dash of sriracha for a spicy version or substituting Dijon mustard with wasabi for a more authentic Japanese flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 700mg

Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken with Honey Mayoster Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Japan straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal, this crispy, juicy chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone. The Honey Mayoster Sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite even more enjoyable.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to try out other Japanese-inspired dishes on our website, like the Pan Fried Mushrooms With Ricotta Cheese or Roasted Thousand Island Potatoes. Share your cooking experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.