Sushi, tempura, noodles, curry– is your mouth watering yet? Japanese food is endlessly satisfying. If you agree, here’s another savory treat to add to the rotation: karaage chicken.
This delicious dish has a history as rich as its flavors. Keep reading for more on karaage’s origins and modern variations. You won’t be disappointed.
The Story of Karaage
Battered frying techniques, like karaage, were brought to Japan by Chinese Buddhist monks during the Edo Period; they introduced “Fucha cuisine”, a vegetarian diet with dishes like crispy fried tofu. But, karaage chicken wasn’t popularized until after WWII. The country was dealing with food shortages and karaage was a delicious, widely available, and cost-effective meal.
Still, the birthplace of this tasty Japanese food is debated. One contender is Oita prefecture: home to many poultry farms and the nation’s first karaage specialty store.
Different Variations That Are Popular In Japan
There are many variations of karaage found throughout Japan. Often, it is made with other meats.
Here are a few of the most popular options:
1. Tako: This variation uses octopus instead of chicken. It is usually coated in a thicker batter and fried until crispy.
2. Tori: This is the most common type of karaage made with chicken thigh meat. It is marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being coated in flour and fried.
3. Buta: This version uses pork belly meat and is marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture before being fried.
Would you try any of these or do you prefer the classic chicken recipe? You already know our answer.
Tips for Enjoying Your Japanese Fried Chicken
To make the most of your karaage experience, keep these foodie-certified tips in mind.
- Try different variations of karaage chicken to find your favorite and never get sick of it. From tebasaki to nanban, there’s no shortage of options.
- Karaage is a great meal to enjoy with friends or family. It’s easy to share. Next time you have a gathering, order a family meal from Torisho and share the joy.
- Pair karaage with rice and a side dish like cabbage slaw or tempura green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Craving Karaage In Toronto?
Lucky for you, Torisho has moved into the neighborhood and serves up authentic Japanese food 7 days a week.
We marinate our chicken for days with soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, and garlic, so it’s bursting with flavor. Stop in to try our white and dark meat variations, and enjoy our sides like cabbage slaw and tempura green beans.
Order and experience the joy of fried chicken. Be sure to tag us in your meals @torisho.ca