Get ready to indulge in a delightful twist on traditional karaage chicken with our Chicken Wingettes Karaage, served with a scrumptious garlic soy dipping sauce. Each piece of this crispy treat resembles a tiny lollipop, making it a fun and flavorful snack that’s perfect for gatherings or game days. Forget the marinating; we’ll show you how to create this crispy delight that delivers a punch of flavor through dipping instead of soaking!

About Kōshien Hero Age

Kōshien is a vibrant area located in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, famous for the renowned Hanshin Kōshien Stadium. This iconic venue hosts the National High School Baseball Championship every summer, where young athletes battle for glory and pride as they represent their respective prefectures.

To reach the Kōshien stadium, high school baseball teams from around the country compete at local levels to secure their spot. Winning the championship is a monumental achievement, and these young athletes are celebrated as heroes in their regions.

In the bustling Kōshien area, you will find numerous stalls and shops selling Chicken Wingettes Karaage, a beloved local delicacy. The term ‘hero’ is whimsically tied to the word for chicken, jī ròu, which sounds similar to ‘hero’ in Japanese—a charming nod to the baseball heroes playing at the stadium!

Nishinomiya’s Local Delicacy

While I may not have tasted authentic Kōshien Hero Age in Nishinomiya, the descriptions I came across ignited my culinary curiosity. Each piece is crafted from halved wingettes, showcasing a small part of the bone for that delightful lollipop effect. This dish is a perfect snack for enjoying while cheering on your favorite team at Kōshien Stadium!

The Kōshien Hero Age Promotion Committee has made it their mission to enhance this unique dish’s appeal, allowing various shops to create their signature flavors. Some offer milder flavors, inviting you to experiment with multiple dipping sauces, just like the recipe we have today!

What You’ll Find in My Chicken Wingettes Karaage

In contrast to traditional Kōshien dishes or even my juicy Karaage Chicken Lollipops, this recipe diverges from the norm by omitting the marinating step before frying. Instead, we’ll coat the wingettes with a delightful blend of flour to create that crispy exterior.

Ingredients

• Chicken wingettes
• Salt & pepper
• Flour
• Corn flour/cornstarch
• Oil for deep frying
• Cabbage pieces for serving (optional, not shown)

Dipping Sauce Ingredients

• Grated garlic
• Chicken stock
• Soy sauce
• Mirin
• Sugar

Using flour mixed with corn starch provides a beautiful golden hue during frying, while adding an extra crunch to every bite, making it a deliciously irresistible treat. Don’t forget, the garlic should be finely grated to ensure even mixing into the sauce – a ceramic grater works wonders for this task!

How to Create Chicken Wingettes Karaage with Garlic Soy Dipping Sauce

This straightforward recipe can be broken down into three simple steps: preparing the dipping sauce, crafting the lollipop-style wingettes, and frying the golden karaage.

Dipping Sauce

1. Combine all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
2. Boil for just about 5 seconds before removing from heat.

Creating the Lollipop Wingettes

1. Start by making an incision at the thicker end of the wingette to separate the two bones carefully.
2. Slice through the flesh between the bones, reaching the opposite end without cutting through the second bone.
3. Once you’ve identified where the bones connect at the far end, ensure you cut through the connective tissue to free the bones completely.
4. Trim off excess flesh and skin around the tip of the halved wingette, exposing about 1cm (⅜ inches) of bone.

Frying Chicken Wingettes Karaage

1. Evenly coat the chicken pieces in the flour and corn starch mixture.
2. In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to reach about 180°C (356°F) and carefully add the chicken pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd.
3. Fry the wingettes for approximately 1½ minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 1 to 1½ minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove from oil and let the chicken rest on a tray lined with a mesh or paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Final Touches

1. Arrange cabbage pieces on the serving plate for a refreshing side.
2. Position the crispy chicken wingettes upright next to the cabbage, presenting the bone-end elegantly upwards.
3. Serve alongside the garlic soy dipping sauce for an explosion of flavor in every bite!

These lollipop-style chicken wingettes are not just meals but splendid finger food you can devour in one satisfying bite!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wingettes?

Yes, you can use chicken drumsticks, although the method for preparing them might differ slightly due to the size and structure of the drumsticks.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, while frying gives the best texture, you can also bake them. Just ensure they are coated evenly with oil to achieve a golden finish.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover wingettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for optimal crispiness.

4. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dipping sauce in advance; just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

5. What’s a good substitute for mirin?

If you don’t have mirin, a mixture of rice vinegar and a touch of sugar can serve as a decent substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.