Japanese chicken wings are a popular snack in  Japanese restaurants and bars. So you can easily prepare them at home. In Japanese cuisine, this dish is called Tebasaki Karaage.

The literal translation means “fried chicken wings”. Pieces of chicken are marinated, rolled in flour, and deep-fried. So, what is Karaage?

Juicy, tender meat with a tasty, crispy crust that is easy to cook and a pleasure to eat. 

Directions

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  1. Let’s make a marinade for the wings. Peel the ginger and garlic. Cut the ginger into small pieces, and pass the garlic through a press.
  2. Take the chicken wings, split them in two, and select the meatier part.
  3. In a small bowl, combine Japanese soy sauce, sake (or rice wine), mirin, and salt. Stir until the salt dissolves.
  4. Place the chicken wings into a large bowl, and pour in the prepared sauce, garlic, and ginger.
  5. Mix the contents of the container thoroughly so that the marinade evenly coats the wings on all sides. Cover the container and refrigerate it to marinate for at least 1 hour.
  6. Put wheat flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper for breading in a bowl and stir evenly.
  7. Strain the marinated wings through a sieve and mix with the breading.
  8. Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or wok and heat it over medium heat to 180⁰C. Place the wings gently in hot oil.
  9. Cook the wings in oil for about 5-6 minutes, until deep-fried. Remove the finished wings from the oil.
  10. Serve the wings immediately. Serve with white and red sauces.

Serving Ideas for Tebasaki Karaage

For a traditional Japanese meal, serve crispy chicken wings alongside steamed rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Additionally, offer a variety of dipping sauces like ponzu, spicy mayo, teriyaki, or sweet chili to complement the wings’ savory flavor.

Moreover, Tebasaki Karaage makes a great party appetizer. Arrange the wings on a platter with garnishes such as sliced green onions, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds.

Finally, for a portable meal option, include Tebasaki Karaage in a bento box along with sushi rolls, edamame, and fresh fruit. This creates a complete Japanese-inspired lunch that is both convenient and satisfying.

Health Benefits of Japanese Chicken Wings

Chicken wings provide high-quality protein. This helps repair muscles, supports growth, and maintains your body. Additionally, chicken contains all essential amino acids needed for tissue repair and enzyme production.

Moreover, Japanese chicken wings supply key minerals like iron and zinc. These support healthy blood cells and strengthen the immune system. The marinade includes ginger and garlic, which reduce inflammation and boost immunity while aiding digestion.

Finally, when prepared without heavy breading or sugary sauces, Tebasaki Karaage becomes a low-carb dish. Therefore, it suits ketogenic and low-carb diets.

How to Cook Fried Japanese Chicken Wings, an alternative version:

How to make perfect, crispy chicken wings!

Video by ChilliChump

Risks of Japanese Chicken Wings

Deep-frying chicken wings adds calories. Therefore, eating too much can cause weight gain. Also, rich sauces increase the calorie load. The marinade contains soy sauce and salty spices. Too much salt raises blood pressure. This then increases the risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, frying at high heat creates acrylamide. This chemical may raise cancer risk in animals. Chicken skin holds saturated fats. Cooking with the skin adds these fats to your meal. They raise cholesterol and increase heart problems.

In addition, spicy and heavy sauces can upset your stomach. They cause heartburn and indigestion. This affects people with sensitive digestion more. So, enjoy Tebasaki Karaage in moderation. Always listen to your body and stay healthy.