Ah yes, Chicken Karage - little one-biters of Japanese chicken deliciousness. And while I suggest Japanese mayo and Togarashi (Japanese pepper powder) for dipping, you could really use anything…mustard, bbq sauce, ketchup. Ok, no - not ketchup.
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon soy
1 tablespoon sake, sub for dry sherry, Chinese cooking wine
1 tablespoon Mirin, or sub with about 1/4 teaspoon sugar - or even leave out and you’ll be fine
1/2 tablespoon ginger paste
1/2 tablespoon garlic paste
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1 cup cornstarch
Oil for frying
Japanese mayo, I mean it only makes sense right?
Togarashi, or sub with a little paprika, chili powder or dip into anything you like
Cut chicken into bite size pieces, and put into a large bowl
Add the soy, sake, mirin, ginger, garlic and sesame oil - mix really well to combine and refrigerate 30 minutes
Heat oil to 325 degrees
Put cornstarch on a plate, then coat each piece of chicken well - put pieces on another plate
Carefully put chicken pieces into the oil and cook 2 minutes, or just until beginning to get a touch of color
IMPORTANT - it’s better to fry in a couple batches, then overload your pan or fryer
Remove when done, and set aside, continue with remaining pieces
Turn oil up to 375, and cook chicken for one more minute, then remove to a rack to drain a bit
Put some mayo in a small bowl, top with a little togarashi and serve