Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) - Food Wishes

When we talk about the greatest fried chicken recipes of all time, karaage has to be at or near the top of that list. This Japanese-style fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and intensely flavorful, which is even more impressive when you consider the fact that there is no skin or bones involved. Enjoy!
For the fully formatted, printable, written recipe, follow this link: www.allrecipes.com/recipe/832...
To become a Member of Food Wishes, and read Chef John’s in-depth article about Karaage, follow this link: / @foodwishes
You can also find more of Chef John’s content on Allrecipes: allrecipes.com/recipes/16791/e...

[@RufusM]

“Although if it’s a liquid, and it contains alcohol, someone’s drinkin’ it.” Never change, Chef John.

[@ampersand.8888]

Truer words have never been said.

[@JoshDragRace0688]

People drink rubbing alcohol? pour souls.

[@larkinh8069]

That someone is me

[@Dubb910]

@@JoshDragRace0688 People drink mouthwash so it wouldn't surprise me

[@alyssac0]

Lol yess. Love chef john

[@benjaminwatson543]

The bigger deal with the twice-fried is that the chicken stays crispier for much longer. When you do a single fry, the chicken's own juice tends to saturate the breading after a little while, making it soggier. With the twice-fry, the juices tend to do that while the chicken rests, and then the second fry dehydrates the crust again, making it stay crispy for a lot longer.

[@CommentingAboutFood]

Isn't the method also typically cooking it through to temp, then a flash fry at a higher temp? I'd be worried with the method above having the chicken not cook through since it is cooking halfway then dropping temperature.

[@JoshDragRace0688]

@@CommentingAboutFood naw, fat transfers heat extremely well, put your hand into a deep fryer for 2 - 3 minutes and see what happens lol. If it was chicken breasts not chicken thighs I would be worried its over-cooked with the double fry method.

[@bookshelfhoney]

I always double fry because the meat stays crispy for longer and if you're doing stir fry or something saucy then the meat won't get soft in the sauce it stays crunchy anyway

[@driftspecs13]

It's also usually made with a wet batter by adding beaten egg as a binder and enough potato starch to make it like a thicker tempura--not the dry method shown here. You fry once at a lower temp, about 325°, to set the batter and par cook, then crank to 360°-375° to finish cooking and brown to your desire.

[@illomens2766]

@@CommentingAboutFood You don't need to worry at all about the chicken not being cooked through if you fry it in small pieces as shown in the video above, or even pieces that are a bit bigger, because they cook through so quickly

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

How satisfying to watch a KZbinr who has millions of followers making my country’s food! The Karaage looks so delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe!😊💕

[@Zaitekno]

Glory to Japan

[@jimbofergus]

I love karaage. Out of all of Japanese cuisine it's one of my favorites.

[@manin4568]

What is the daily staple food in Japan?

[@anubis7242]

I love Japanese culinary arts. I even invested in the high end Enzo Japanese knife collection that are utilized on a daily basis.

[@ioanbotez7128]

Wow, didn't expect to see you here! Small world. But yeah, Japanese food is really good. Hope I'll be able to visit this year.

[@juliafromtrancas]

Oh my his recipe is authentic. I’m Japanese and that’s exactly how I make karaage. I put grated onion or onion powder too.

[@krupapoobal4036]

You don’t use mochiko?

[@juliafromtrancas]

@@krupapoobal4036 No. Mochiko is fine, but it will be just a thin coat. Potato starch will be a thick but not too thick crispy coat. You can do a half all-purpose flour and a half potato starch or just all-purpose flour as well.

[@booshveg]

i have few Japanese cooking channels and all of them use chicken with skin for karaage , which one is the original recipe then ?

[@E-A-Z-Y]

You don’t add egg to the marinade? I see egg added in all the diner videos I watch.

[@juliafromtrancas]

Sorry I believed that you were saying komeko. Komeko is the flour made from rice, and mochiko is the one made from glutinous rice, and they are different things. I’m pretty sure the coat of karaage will be sticky with mochiko. Komeko will be a super thin coat which won’t make karaage that crispy.

[@lhfirex]

Used to live in Japan, and yeah this is the super popular snack food of choice over there. I mean, there are other snacks and all, but everybody loves this. It's fried chicken, after all. Chef John's marinade isn't the only way to do this, either. Lots of recipes I learned for this pretty much dip it in soy sauce, sugar, and maybe one extra seasoning of your choice, then top it with pepper and lemon juice. Sometimes yuzu is either added to or replaces the lemon as well. There are also plenty of places who do it rather plain, with just a little salt and pepper in the breading, and serve it with dipping sauces. It's basically smaller, juicier chicken tenders, or bigger, juicier popcorn chicken.

[@Jaydoggy531]

Karaage is a very common lunchbox food, frequently served cold. Due to the marinade, it's still very delicious even cooled in the fridge.

[@shaunh9831]

Your tip about removing the skin from ginger with a spoon was brilliant. I always appreciate your small details.

[@kuznecoffjames]

Based on making Karaage myself (using different recipies), I've come across some techniques that I realized: 1. I like adding 1 tbsp of kashmiri chili powder to my marinade because it adds a mild spice and makes the color post-fry deeper 2. scoring the chicken allows more starch to get into the pores of the chicken, allowing it to become much crispier 3. mangled cuts of thigh are fine because the bits will end up sticking together during the fry due to the starch 4. coating the chicken in the starch again after the first coating ensures more will stick to the chicken (no unbreaded spots) 5. double fry is key, and should be done after the chicken has been sitting out for 5+ minutes to make it crispier 6. 3 fries is the limit, and the third is good for leftovers (heated via the deep-fry); 4 fries dries out the chicken too much

[@etherdog]

Good tips! Thanks!

[@FEARSWTOR]

Chef John: "Don't grate a fingertip trying to get those last couple molecules" Also Chef John: "Pick out that little piece of skin" Me: "He means from the ginger, right?" Also Me: "HE MEANS FROM THE GINGER, RIGHT???"

[@supergeek1418]

I'm sure that's what he means. Finger skin would cook up nicely...

[@alyssac0]

Yikes

[@SeaWasp]

@@supergeek1418 As Mr. Lecter would say: "I'm having an old friend for dinner!"

[@Andrea.S.Alvey12]

😂

[@TIVAuk]

Happy New Year Chef John. I love the variety of cuisines you provide clear and simple instructions for - and let’s not forget that friendly, soothing and humorous delivery style! Keep up the great work and stay safe.

[@souradeepsinha]

Oooh I’ve had karaage with a ginger and soy sauce aioli and it’s heavenly. Thanks for sorting my weekend dinner!

[@TimStolarz]

I can't believe how simple this recipe is. I've always wondered how they make their fried chicken. It's also funny how the sentence "pop the thighs in the fridge for 15-30 mins to let the starch hydrate and dry out a little bit" makes complete sense! Thank you Chef John, I love all your recipes! Fork don't lie!

[@KittenBowl1]

I’m Japanese living in Tokyo. Surprising to see Chef John making Karaage, I just had Karaage for dinner earlier. Lol. You don’t need Mirin or sugar normally but it adds a tiny bit sweeter taste. Traditionally no sugar no mirin. And you have to use potato starch that’s the crispy but thin coating. I am actually after perfecting my favorite Karaage at the moment so hence this video suggestion in my feed lol 😂 You only need four things to make traditional Karaage; 1) Sake (must be cooking Sake not drinking kind as it lacks many amino acids and salt yes it has salt and lasts in fridge, we don’t make any Japanese food with regular sake, with cooking Sake only), 2) soy sauce, 3) eggs 4) potato starch (Katakuriko), besides chicken and spices of course. After marinating you dunk the chicken pieces in potatoes starch. No need to dry on the lack. Then put them in egg white right before putting them in hot oil (190c). You turn it every minute or so and it makes amazing Karaage. It’s the egg white that keeps the juice trapped and it makes amazing ones. My mom adds eggs into the marinate and eggs even make it very moist and tastier but I like them both. I found hers to be too salty again and she uses sugar. Lol. I personally like half flour and half potato starch and double fry them. Anyways thanks for sharing! Love your show. 💖

[@mib6345]

Chef John, i love your videos...! You did pronounced karaage, perfect also!! I'm japanese and my mom makes the best karaage ever!! She uses salt, papper , garlic powder and soy sauce, that's it. You just need right amount.. and potato starch,katakuriko, is very important !! And she uses chicken wings. It's really really good... i make it same way my mom does and my kids love them.

[@baronvonkaiser9912]

ive been waiting for this for so long. thanks for granting one of my food wishes Chef

[@DisingenuousComment]

Every restaurant serves their own Karaage plate. All different. All great. One of the best things to do here in Japan is visiting a new place for lunch and try out their Karaage teishokus

[@bluesilverandwhite]

So happy to see you make my favorite dish! I still can remember the smell when my mom fried karaage…she asked me what I wanted to eat for birthday and I always said karaage…good memories

[@reybuSWAG]

Chef John, you are the absolute best in the KZbin biz. I've made many of your recipes and they always come out incredible. When I wanna try something new in the kitchen, first thing I do is check your channel to see if you have a video - which you almost always do. Thank you for your content!

[@christiancarlock7570]

Can I just say I absolutely love your cooking videos! I'm getting more comfortable in my kitchen and whenever I want to make something I come to your recipes! Keep doing what you do Chef John, it's amazing!

[@padraic773]

Living in Japan for over two years now, Karage is amazing and absolutely the best fried chciekn. I got a recipe almost identical to this about a year ago and has been my go-to for Games Night and the occasional date night. I occassionaly tinker with my own marinade by chucking in some paprika and home grown chilli's.

[@MedalionDS9]

I love Chicken Karaage, order it all the time at a Japanese restaurant I frequent... it's usually coated with different drizzled sauces

[@yougottabekidding7476]

I could've watched other videos about Karaage, but I chose this one- as always- for the voice narration. One of a kind.

[@1337slic3]

Great recipe as always, Chef John. My gf is Japanese, and I've been making karaage for her for over 3 years now; this is almost exactly how I do it. It's also similar to what I do for some Korean fried chicken recipes. . Btw I always double fry; double frying allows more of the surface moisture of the chicken to evaporate without it being overcooked, which makes it a bit crispier for much longer.

[@re-de]

Love the always happy introduction of the dish 💕 i can feel the joy in your voice 💕

[@MrBundy15]

The first time I ate these in Japan was like love at first sight. We still cook them from time to time. Tabasaki (Yamachans) chicken is also amazing.

[@rons3634]

Had this dish when I was in Japan. I found that adding the chicken to a curry dish is even better. They are just awesome together.

[@rosemarysmith5322]

i want to try this..so...i had to look up the recipe because with closed captioning ( which i was using instead of the volume) when you said add mirin...the closed caption translated that word into "urine" which i knew could not be correct!!!😁 I enjoy watching you cook...and describe your methods...

[@MrEyescream]

i was just looking if someone else noticed it

[@thegrandcricket]

Ooh! I love karaage! Thanks Chef John, and Happy New Year!!

[@kellyjohnson6861]

I just love your show! Thank you so much, Trying this one today

[@lacucinadipapa3932]

Best I've ever seen on KZbin! Hands down! And an inspiration for any chef wanna be like me! Thank you Chef!

[@salgerful]

I couldn’t decide what to fix for dinner tonight. Caught your video and decided to try it. Wow! What a hit! My husband is a chef but has worked as a nurse for the last 20 years. He and my son hate it when I try a new recipe from KZbin. Dinner was met with skepticism but I was surprised to have them tell me they really liked it and want me to make it again. I only fried it once because of time. I served it with rice and sweet chili sauce. Thanks for sharing.

[@billwrinkle9662]

I was watching the Abroad In Japan KZbin Channel a few weeks ago, and learned about Hokkaido's Zangi Chicken, which is almost this same exact recipe, except that prior to dredging the chicken, you add a small bit of flour to the marinading chicken and mix until the marinade turns into a paste and /really/ sticks to the chicken.

[@hokieham]

Love that channel.

[@visualsno]

Happy new year, to another year of great recipes

[@secretforreddit]

Ooh, yum! Thanks, Chef John, I bet this'll be delicious! I've been looking for a good fried chicken recipe for boneless/skinless pieces.

[@DieMedienwelt]

I made this today and it was absolutely delicious! I had to use cornstarch (it seems difficult to get potato starch in Germany) and I used gin instead of sake and also added a bit of sriracha. Still, or maybe because of that, really, really good!

[@cathyheston3029]

Good idea!

[@wyred]

I guess this comes to late for you but RUF Kartoffel Mehl is pure potato starch (you can check the listed ingredients) and you should be able to find it any supermarket. Nearly every potato flour you can buy in Germany is potato starch. Just check the ingredients list if you are not sure, most of the time it will only list potato starch. It seems way harder to get potato flour than starch. If you are still not sure, if it's white and fluffy like your corn starch it's starch if yellow it's flour. If it tastes like potatoes it's flour if it's tasteless it's starch.

[@justinlakey6838]

You are an absolute treasure for anyone learning to cook or try a new recipe. Thank you for doing what you do

[@deirdredaniels8496]

That Karaage Chicken looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Chef John thanks for sharing!

[@sinensis]

Happy new year, Chef John! Karage has always been my all time favorite way to cook chicken thighs (and even tofu). I’m so happy to see you feature it!

[@jackieknits61]

I do it with tofu too. Very yummy. And with cod fish. Really works well with a variety of foods.

[@sinensis]

@@jackieknits61 Excellent! I’m a bit of a beginner with fish, but I’ll definitely have to try preparing a fish version! You’re right, it’s such a versatile recipe. :}

[@risili5446]

@@sinensis What about the nooks and crannies? How do you make sure the starch sticks to the plain, smooth tofu?

[@MarztheStoic]

Ive been working on this dish for a while and Im still trying to master it. I feel like this video has helped me shape up on the finer details. Thanks Chef John and happy new year.

[@Mumumuth]

Hey! Just one tip. The karaage is much, much better if you leave the skin. It becomes extra crispy after frying.

[@ncgreenie6707]

Happy New Year and Congratulations on reaching 4 million subscribers! Your channel is my happy place 😊

[@danushaforknneer2749]

Can’t wait to try. Looks amazing. Thank you.

[@TheOriginalArchie]

Tonight, I'm going to be the Scottie Pippen of my Japanese Fried Chicken.

[@hesayshesayhowboutmesay]

“Oh yeah fork don’t lie.” Best.Quote.Ever

[@alyssac0]

Dont forget the forever classic, "Wet hands make smooth balls"

[@attiliadin]

Best Wishes for 2022 from Sydney, Australia. Thank you for your ever informative, entertaining and most tasty presentations. I love listening to your witty speech and little jokes as well, I'm a better cook because of you. May you keep happy, healthy and safe. 🥰

[@NeonCoffeeCat]

Wow i have been watching many videos about Karaage lately. What a happy coincidence Chef John did a video love you Chef John you have made my cooking more interesting for years now.

[@godaistudios]

One of my favorite snack foods, which I also enjoyed while I was in Japan. Simple and easy.

[@werwar27]

amazing as always. Love these different takes on a classic recipe

[@ivsciguy]

I made this for dinner tonight and it turned out amazing. I have used almost exactly the same marinade to make grilled chicken thighs and works great as well.

[@bigolmemoryhole6944]

I once accidentally ordered whale karage here in Japan at a yatai food cart festival. There were no pictures just heavy weight kanji! I can't even in Japan without pictures! I was asked by the Japanese staff what country I was from, Australia which amused the Hell out of them, I was hung over so I didn't tweak. I didn't realize what I'd done until I bit into the super dark & strangely strong flavored meat, the coating was much more gingery & soy saucy. I won't ask because Chef John won't do but I chalked it up as a curious & interesting culinary accident..

[@soogymoogi]

Can you describe the flavor at all? I'm pescatarian and super curious haha. I haven't had to think about if I'd eat aquatic mammals from an ethical perspective yet though.

[@bigolmemoryhole6944]

@@soogymoogi It's definitely mammal not fish it can be very dark as the karage was & it's gamey in a venison way.

[@soogymoogi]

@@bigolmemoryhole6944 huh wouldn't have expected whale to be gamey. Interesting!

[@kimnarveson5190]

OMG! That looks amazing! I need to get my husband to make this for me! He is after all the household chef! 🧡

[@austinwalker3737]

Thank you for making this recipe! My mum is gluten intolerant and I was struggling to find a good recipe to share. But now she has this!

[@rosspurdie6029]

Chef John's recipe here is perfect Kara-age recipe, which is so much enjoyed the the millions of Japanese here in Japan. Thank you!

[@johnsonckchu]

thanks chef.. i am so enjoy your video .. looking forward to see you made more foreigns foods👍🏻

[@realnlyp]

Happy new year, Chef John! Thank you for the great and easy to follow recipe! Props for name-dropping the Dubs @ 7:32!

[@stevecrowable]

Just made this and it was absolutely fantastic thank you.

[@LuNa4Death]

This is how I've made karaage for years! I normally use ginger powder though since its expensive where I'm at when bought fresh. I serve it on some nice butter lettuce or bread, then top with kewpie and either Sansyo pepper or nanami togarashi. 🤤

[@cookingathome4938]

Im so enjoyed this! Thank you for this experience!

[@pattywilliams788]

You crack me up! That chicken looks amazingly delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

[@WesGryllz]

Cool. Going to do this. Thanks.

[@mariansmith7694]

Thanks... looks great

[@pasgaf19]

Nice! Karaage is the best way to do fried chicken in my opinion. I also like Karaage with skin on chicken, it makes it even jucier and more delicious in my opinion. And for the dipping sauce i prefere some japanese mayo with shichimi spice in addition to the lemon.

[@atsukorichards1675]

That is the popular way!

[@carolbenson6524]

You're a great cook! Happy New Year!

[@aisadal2521]

Karaage is always great ☺️ Happy New Year! 🥳

[@donnabeaudin9114]

Oooo I’m going to make this!!😛thanks for the cooking lesson!

[@culinarycaravan]

Happy & yummy New Year in deed! Thanks Chef John.

[@jmzcolton]

Loving the podcast! Thanks, Chef!

[@kirnpu]

I don't ever fry foods at home because of the mess but this looked so easy I had to try. A total winner! We hadn't even finished eating the meal before deciding when to make it again. A real keeper!

[@endlessoul]

No way I'd ask you to make this but I I'm pretty thankful you've made it

[@Ernie_Rodr1guez]

Happy New Chef!! I luv your channel!

[@MCGamerD]

I’m on a bento box kick. This is a desire of my heart. Thanks Food Wishes.

[@DayStation]

Happy New Year Chef John! Absolutely love your videos!

[@mikew9568]

i made this tonight and it was amazing! i used corn starch though but it was still crispy and delicious. Thanks for sharing this Chef John!

[@lindabonomi7274]

LOVE this video!

[@waynesummerlin2850]

Happy New Year John, and thanks for another informative and entertaining video. Keep up the Great work

[@alanoid164]

Tried part of the recipe today (Adam Liaw's marinade is still my go to). Using pure potato starch was a revelation, as well as the pre breading strategy. Can't express how grateful I am to have a pre breading strategy now with the help of your instructions.

[@digitalpunkdiva2894]

My favorite! My recipe I season the starch with a little white pepper and paprika.

[@benetonk]

Wow 1 day ago! I just bought some chicken for this recipe today! Awesome 😎 thanks 🙏!

[@adumbberg]

Steph and KLAY!!!!! Nice timing Chef John. Can't wait for Sunday.

[@jameskelly9325]

I made this tonight and the family loved it. It took some preparation, but it was totally worth it.

[@Sorescapula]

Thank you for showung how to cook Japanese food in correct way:) おいしそうです😊

[@raeperonneau4941]

Happy new year, Chef John!

[@gregsworldkitchen6764]

First time viewer. I love your presentation style. Relaxed and informative. It makes me feel like you are a friend. I use potato starch when making Korean Fried Chicken. I use Maangchi's recipe and she always recommends double frying to make it crispy. It's kind of funny because it then gets tossed in a gochujang based sauce, so it loses some of that crispness. I'll have to try your recipe for karaage. Sake is a little hard to come by here in the UK, but it's available online. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@sendoh7x]

without 2x fry it'll lose those crispiness much faster and worse

[@Wulfslove]

Ah Maangchi! I love her so much! See you next time, byeee!

[@KittenBowl1]

Go to a Japanese grocery store in London there, you have to get the cooking Sake not the drinking kind. I’m Japanese used to live in London and it’s one of those things I didn’t live without. Sake and soy sauce. You can get Mirin but not necessary for Karaage actually. You can use brown sugar. Tastier.

[@greggall205]

@@KittenBowl1 Thank you. So cooking sake, not he expensive stuff. Good to know. Nice name you chose, kawaii. 🙂

[@onwardstotruth5810]

Love your dishes … enjoy 😋

[@TheSeanachain]

Yes! Excellent. Haven't watched yet, but am excited. I have another food wish as well. Okonomiyaki!

[@x54xHantamachine]

Also Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki! It's the less popular style, but my personal favorite. My host father made it for me on my exchange trip to Japan.

[@TheSeanachain]

Or also Modanyaki, that was one of my favourites. It's all good stuff!

[@soupfork2105]

Me: So what are the ingr... Chef John: Cayenne.

[@joekoscielniak8576]

Chef John, I have really enjoyed watching your video over the last year or so. The one positive of the Covid lock-down, if you can call anything related to Covid a positive, is that we have had more time and opportunities to become with interesting videos like the ones you produce. Thank you for the efforts and all the good eats!

[@SS4Xani]

"And that's what you can use if you can't find it...but you can." Chef John always inspiring confidence in my ability to locate the correct items for cooking your recipes!

[@notahuman1993]

I get irrationally happy whenever I watch any of your videos and hear either "a shake of cayenne" or "a-tap-a-tap-a"

[@larrydrouin2497]

the best ever ,, thank you chef

[@bigfootbyrd9119]

I don't know,,, if I love his cooking technique the most!!! or his tenderheartedness character, the most. But "As Alwaaaaya, I ENJOY".

[@Sandwich0artist]

Shokugeki no Soma showed me this dish, so happy to see the chef prepare it

[@kimmclaughlin6618]

This is an excellent recipe. I made this although had to use corn starch, the result was still great.

[@danielpico898]

Chef John, great recipe! Happy New Year! I subbed a few things when I made it, I didn't have sake but I used dry sherry and it worked really well! Made the list of the kids of things for me to cook again! Also if you're going to make a large batch keep the chicken cold or the starch will start to separate when you put it in the oil.

[@BendyWoodStudio]

I've made this twice since seeing this video (and am making it again tonight - Just came back to check the fry oil temp). I'd say you definitely have to season the potato starch before coating. And the double/triple fry method does work, and you don't really have to let them sit too long between fries. Only a minute or two to notice the difference in crunchiness. A great thing about this recipe is, it doesn't lose flour to your fryer oil. So no nasty globs of shit that need to be strained out of your oil - I'm GF and this is a major problem with GF breaded deep fried recipes. Thanks be to you Chef Johnny.

[@skad2485]

I was looking at Japanese kfc videos yesterday and chef John uploads this gem, gonna try this out for sure

[@Sarkhamy]

A thing my obaachan used to go when she made karaage was add in very small amounts of water on the starch, and mix thoroughly to make these small clumps. Those clumps got super crunchy

[@PicSta]

Awesome food. I love Karaage. Good video!

[@asquithmainlines699]

This looks like it will be very good. Will try a batch in my Brevelle Air Fry Oven and prepare an orange glaze for dipping. No need to deep fry as this oven turns out crispy chicken every time.

[@richarddunn378]

I was just wondering how this would work in an air fry oven. Please let me know how it turns out!

[@SergioRamirez-kg9ij]

Chef John is the best.