Mouth-watering Tebasaki Recipe: Japanese Fried Chicken
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of hosting a gathering, whether it’s a dinner party with friends or a cozy night in with loved ones. But the key to any successful gathering? Mouthwatering food. And that’s why I’m thrilled to share my recipe for tebasaki, Japanese-style deep fried chicken wings that will have your guests begging for more.
Originating from Nagoya, Japan, tebasaki is a beloved dish made with succulent chicken wings seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic powder, and sugar. The chicken wings are then coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried until golden brown. The result? A dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
The name “tebasaki” literally translates to “wingtips,” as this dish is traditionally made using the tips of the chicken wings. But fear not – for the sake of convenience and accessibility, this recipe uses whole chicken wings instead.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with an authentic tebasaki recipe from Japan, or simply want to indulge in some deliciously crispy chicken wings at home, this recipe is sure to please. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to fry up some seriously tasty chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of crispy, juicy and flavorful fried chicken? Then you’ll definitely want to try my Tebasaki (Japanese-Style Deep Fried Chicken Wings) recipe. Trust me – this dish is a total game-changer, and it’s not your average fried chicken wings recipe.
First off, the Japanese-style seasoning blend keeps you coming back for more. My recipe includes staples like soy sauce, mirin, and sake to create an umami-packed marinade that infuses every bite with savory goodness. I also add garlic powder for an added punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender meat.
But what truly sets this dish apart is the deep frying technique. It results in crispy chicken that’s as juicy as can be. The potato starch and baking powder used in the recipe help ensure the wings are crispy on the outside, while still remaining tender and moist on the inside.
Overall, Tebasaki is the perfect party food or appetizer that can be paired with any dipping sauce of your choice. It works well as a mouth-watering side dish or even as an entree if you choose to make bigger portions. So what are you waiting for? Serve up some delicious and authentic Nagoya-style Tebasaki at your next party, and I guarantee your guests will be blown away!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need to make this Tebsaki Japanese-Style Deep Fried Chicken Wings recipe. Most of the ingredients might be already in your kitchen, but for a truly authentic taste don’t omit or substitute any ingredient.
Main Ingredients:
- 800 grams chicken wings, cut into wingettes and drumettes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ground black pepper
- potato starch or flour for coating
Tebasaki Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 3 tablespoons sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
Additional:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Take note that some ingredients may be found in specialty Asian stores, but they are often present in most mainstream grocery stores nowadays.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Firstly, wash the 800g chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, season them with ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinade in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Wings
In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup flour and ½ cup potato starch. Add the seasoned chicken wings to the flour mixture to coat them evenly. Make sure you shake off excess flour before frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Wings
Heat the oil in a wok or deep frying pan to 170 degrees Celsius. Place half of the coated chicken wings into the hot oil making sure they are not overcrowded. Fry for approximately 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn into a beautiful reddish-brown colour and cooked through.
Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on some paper towels, then fry the remaining chicken wings in batches.
Step 4: Seasoning for Authentic Taste
Once all of your tebasaki are fried, it’s time to add extra seasoning while they’re still hot. Using a separate large mixing bowl, add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons mirin, 3 tablespoons sake, and 1 tablespoon sugar together. Then place your fried chicken wings into this sauce mixture tossing them through so that each delicious piece is coated evenly. Garnish with chopped spring onions and enjoy!
This style of Japanese fried chicken is traditionally served with beer or Japanese sweet wine. Have everything ready before frying as they cook quickly and are best enjoyed hot out of the fryer!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch up your tebasaki game? Fortunately, this recipe offers plenty of opportunities for variation and experimentation. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
– Spice it up: If you’re a fan of spicy food, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour coating before frying. You can also brush your wings with a spicy garlic butter sauce after frying for extra heat.
– Swap the starch: Potato starch is traditionally used in tebasaki recipes for its crispy, light texture, but cornstarch or even all-purpose flour can be used as well if you don’t have potato starch on hand.
– Make it gluten-free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version like brown rice or chickpea flour. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the recipe free of gluten.
– Get creative with dips: While plain ol’ soy sauce is a classic pairing for tebasaki, feel free to get creative with dips and sauces. Try serving your wings with a sesame-ginger dipping sauce, a honey-mustard glaze or even a dollop of tangy kimchi.
– Change up the seasoning: When it comes to seasonings, the sky’s the limit. You could try adding dried herbs like thyme and oregano to the flour coating or sprinkling your wings with furikake seasoning for added umami flavor.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your taste buds. So don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to customizing this tebasaki Japanese-style deep-fried chicken wing recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Tebasaki chicken wings are an irresistible dish that can be served for various occasions. When it comes to serving and pairing, there are numerous possibilities to explore, depending on your preferences and creativity.
One of the classic ways to serve tebasaki chicken wings is as an appetizer or snack, sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. They also pair perfectly with a cold beer or sake, especially on game day or movie night. The crispy skin and juicy meat of the deep-fried wings complement the refreshing taste of a drink, making it an ideal snack to share.
Moreover, tebasaki chicken wings can also be served as a main dish, accompanied by steamed rice and miso soup. If you prefer a spicier kick, try making spicy tebasaki chicken wings by adding some hot sauce or chili peppers to the marinade. This dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and bring some heat to your meal.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, try making potato starch-coated mushrooms instead of chicken wings. You can still use the same seasoning and coating techniques and create a delectable vegetarian version of tebasaki Japanese-style fried chicken.
In summary, tebasaki chicken wings can be enjoyed in various ways depending on your occasion, appetite and preference. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or main dish, pair them with beer or rice, or even make vegetarian versions of them, these deep-fried Japanese-style chicken wings will surely impress your guests with their deliciousness and versatility.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Tebasaki recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties. You can make it ahead of time for a stress-free party experience. The key to make ahead recipes is ensuring that the finished product remains crispy.
To make this Tebasaki chicken ahead of time, cook the chicken wings as directed in the recipe. Then, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator once cooled completely. When you’re ready to serve, heat them up on a baking sheet (it’s important not to overcrowd) in an oven at 375F for 10 -15 minutes or until warm and crispy again.
Storing already fried chicken is not recommended, as it will get soggy and lose its crispiness. If you happen to have leftovers that you want to reheat the next day, try using a toaster oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to retain some crispiness.
To add some variety to your leftovers, try incorporating them into sandwiches or salads. They would also be great with some steamed rice or miso soup.
Overall, making Tebasaki Japanese-Style Deep Fried Chicken Wings ahead of time can save you time and effort during your party preparations. By following these storage and reheating tips, you are sure to keep the crispy texture and delicious flavor of the dish intact.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a perfect batch of Tebasaki (Japanese-style deep-fried chicken wings) may sound like a daunting task, but with the following tips, you’ll be able to achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy and succulent meat every time.
Firstly, remember to pat dry the chicken wings thoroughly before seasoning and coating them. Moisture on the chicken can interfere with the coating’s ability to adhere properly to the meat, resulting in a less crispy texture after frying.
In addition to flour, potato starch is also an excellent alternative coating ingredient for Tebasaki. It absorbs less oil during frying, creating a light and airy finish for that signature crispiness.
Another crucial tip is to deep fry the chicken wings in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will cause the temperature of the oil to drop quickly, resulting in greasy and undercooked wings. Maintain the oil’s temperature between 350°F-375°F by using a deep-fry thermometer throughout the cooking process.
To elevate the flavour profile of your Tebasaki, try adding spices such as garlic powder or cayenne pepper to your dry coating mixture for an extra kick of heat or flavour.
Finally, don’t forget about seasoning your freshly fried wings with salt immediately after removing them from the pan while still hot. The salt will stick better onto the wings while they are still oily, resulting in a more evenly seasoned dish.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to master the art of Tebasaki cooking in no time!
FAQ
As you get ready to cook up these delicious Tebasaki chicken wings, it’s natural to have a few questions about the process. In this section, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions along with their answers to help you achieve success in your cooking. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, cooking methods or serving suggestions, we’re here to offer our expert advice and help you make the most out of this flavorful dish. So, let’s dive in!
What is the definition of Tebasaki?
Tebasaki, which means “wingtips” in Japanese, is not only a cut of chicken but also a dish that is typically made with it.
What is the secret to crispy wings?
If you want your chicken wings to have a satisfyingly crispy texture, the key ingredient you need is baking powder. By using aluminum-free baking powder, it can absorb the moisture from the chicken wings and cause them to bubble up while they bake in the oven. This results in wings that are perfectly browned and blistered on the outside, while maintaining their tender and juicy interior.
Should I marinate wings before deep frying?
When it comes to making tasty fried chicken wings, marinating them beforehand is optional. Even without marinating, these wings will still be bursting with flavor. However, if time permits, marinating for a few hours can elevate the taste even further. Another perk of these wings is that they are low in carbs, making them a great choice for those following a keto diet.
What is Tebasaki Yakitori?
Tebasaki is a classic yakitori recipe from Japan that features chicken wings as the star of the dish. The wings are threaded onto skewers and cooked over an open flame or deep-fried until they are fully cooked, depending on the preferred method.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are a fan of crispy and flavorful fried chicken, then this tebasaki recipe is definitely one that you should try out. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with authentic Japanese flavors like soy sauce, mirin, sake, and more.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving some tasty bites, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. With the help of the tips and substitutions I’ve shared with you in this article, you can customize the dish to suit your preferences and take your tebasaki game to the next level.
So don’t wait any longer; grab those chicken wings and get ready to fry up some crispy and juicy Japanese-style tebasaki. Trust me; once you’ve tasted these fried chicken wings, you’ll never want to go back to regular old fried chicken again.
Tebasaki (Japanese-Style Deep Fried Chicken Wings) Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 chicken wings
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sake
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make a cut along the bone of each chicken wing.
- Lightly coat the chicken wings with the flour.
- Shallow fry (at 300°F) the chicken wings in 1cm of vegetable oil over a low heat for 8 minutes or until they are light brown.
- Remove the wings and turn up the heat on the pan (375°F). Add the wings and fry for a further 2 minutes until crisply. Remove and place on a paper towel.
- Mix the sake, mirin, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic powder and heat, either in a bowl in the microwave or on the stove in a pot. Coat the wings with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, and coat with the white sesame seeds.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!