Sachie’s Popcorn “Karaage” Chicken

Everybody loves deep-fried chicken – well, I do! Tender, juicy and delicious, karaage tastes great even when cold. You can take it on picnics or pop them in your lunch box. I often have these with a little lemon juice or dipped in Japanese mayonnaise.

Everybody loves deep-fried chicken – well, I do! Tender, juicy and delicious, karaage tastes great even when cold. You can take it on picnics or pop them in your lunch box. I often have these with a little lemon juice or dipped in Japanese mayonnaise.

Serves:                     3-4

Preparation time:  25 minutes + 20 minutes refrigeration

Cooking time:         10 minutes

Ingredients:

600g boneless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into large bite-sized pieces

1 Tbsp grated ginger

1 Tbsp grated garlic

4 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp cooking sake

Canola or rice bran oil, for deep-frying

½ cup potato starch or corn starch

½ cup plain flour

To Serve:

Lemon wedges, Chopped parsley, Japanese mayonnaise

Method:

1. Combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sake in a bowl.
2. Add chicken to marinade, mix well and leave in fridge for 20 minutes or more.
3. Heat oil in a pan or deep-fryer to 180˚C.
4. Mix starch and flour together and coat chicken, dusting off any excess.
5. Lower a piece of chicken into hot oil. Deep-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towel and serve with lemon, parsley and Japanese mayonnaise.