Karaage-kun Chicken Nuggets
Homemade Lawson-Style Karaage-kun: Fluffy, Flavorful Chicken Nuggets
If you know, you know - Lawson, the popular convenience store chain in Japan, is famous for its Karaage-kun, fresh and juicy Japanese chicken nuggets. These irresistible bites are always displayed right by the cashier, making it nearly impossible to walk out without grabbing a box.
After a long flight from Los Angeles, our first meal in Japan was a Lawson snack run, and of course, we couldn't resist picking up some Karaage-kun. The flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction were the perfect welcome to Japan. But why leave all that deliciousness in Japan when you can make Karaage-kun at home?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreating these nuggets. The secret to getting as close as possible to the original lies in a few key ingredients. Let’s dive in!
RECIPE
Servings: 30-40 pcs
Time: 30 min (+ chill in the fridge)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 pack tofu (silky type)
4 tbsp potato starch
3 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Torigara powder (Japanese chicken stock seasoning)
2 cloves garlic, grated
Salt & pepper
For the Batter:
3 eggs
1/3 cup flour
2 tbsp ketchup
My Kitchen Tools:
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, tofu, potato starch, mayonnaise, Torigara powder, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.Make the Batter:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, and ketchup. This batter gives the nuggets a unique flavor and texture reminiscent of Karaage-kun.Heat the Oil:
Pour oil into a pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C).Shape the Nuggets:
Using two spoons, scoop a portion of the chilled chicken mixture and shape it into a ball. Dip the chicken ball into the batter, coating it evenly.Fry the Nuggets:
Carefully place the battered chicken balls into the hot oil. Fry them for 2–3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and fully cooked through. Be sure to watch them closely, as the ketchup in the batter can cause them to burn more quickly.
Tips for Success
Chill the Chicken Mixture: Letting the chicken mixture rest in the fridge makes shaping the nuggets much easier and helps them hold their shape while frying.
Tofu for Texture: The addition of tofu creates a light, fluffy texture, making these nuggets soft even as leftovers—perfect for bento boxes!
Frying Caution: Because the batter contains ketchup, the nuggets may get burnt easily.
