Image by Sgt. Pepperedjane

An Asian-inspired fried chicken that doesn’t require a lot of oil (or deep-frying), this is a great dish for casual gatherings because it’s so easy and yet impressive. It’s excellent hot or cold.

Fried Sesame Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• pinch salt
• 1/4 cup scallions, minced very fine
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup sake
• vegetable oil for frying

In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except sake and frying oil. Pour over chicken and cover. Refrigerate 5-7 hours or overnight.

Remove chicken from batter and drain for 15 minutes on a rack.

Heat 3/4″ of frying oil in a large cast-iron skillet. Fry 3-4 pieces at a time, turning halfway, cooking until chicken is brown and cooked through (a probe thermometer works well for this.) Repeat with remaining chicken.

While chicken is frying, heat sake in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan and cook until volume is reduced by half. Serve with chicken as a dipping sauce.

Serves 4-6.