Craving crispy, juicy Japanese fried chicken (karaage) but worried about the high calories and fat that come with deep-frying?
Popular Japanese recipe author Harapeko Gurizuri (はらぺこグリズリー/ @cheap_yummy) recently shared a viral “Zero-Oil Karaage” recipe on X. You can create chicken with a golden, crispy skin and a tender, juicy interior right in your oven. The recipe has taken the internet by storm, inspiring countless home cooks to give it a try.
Read on to learn how to make this easy, delicious, and healthy twist on a Japanese comfort food classic!
Million-Selling Author Reveals the Secret to “Oil-Free Karaage”
Harapeko Gurizuri (はらぺこグリズリー/ @cheap_yummy), a bestselling culinary writer whose books have sold over one million copies and won multiple Japan Cookbook Awards, developed this recipe out of a desire to create a fried chicken that is “delicious without deep-frying.”
Harapeko Gurizuri shared that karaage is one of their absolute favorite dishes, but traditional deep-frying methods contain high levels of fat. After extensive trial and error, they perfected a healthy version that uses zero cooking oil while retaining a crispy coating and succulent meat—aptly naming it “Ultra-Delicious Karaage with 0 Drops of Oil” (油0滴でめちゃくちゃ美味しい唐揚げ)
This recipe is featured in their cookbook, The World’s Most Delicious & Healthy Lazy-Style Meals (世界一美味しくて健康的なズボラ飯). Supervised by registered dietitians, every dish in the book keeps salt content under 2.5g and fat under 20g—making it easy for beginner cooks to whip up meals that balance flavor and health.
“Zero-Oil Karaage” Recipe (Serves 2) Ingredients
Boneless Chicken Thighs: 250g
Soy Sauce: 2 tsp
Mirin: 2 tsp
Sake: 2 tsp
Grated Garlic: 1/2 tsp
Grated Ginger: 1/2 tsp
Potato Starch (Katakuriko): 2 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce, mirin, sake, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Mix and massage thoroughly so the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
Step 2: Coat with Potato Starch
Add the potato starch into the bowl and mix again, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated with a thin layer of starch.
Step 3: Bake in the Oven
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken pieces evenly.
No need to preheat the oven! Simply place the baking sheet straight inside and bake at 240°C (465°F) for about 25 to 30 minutes, and you’re done!
Crispy and Juicy, Just Like Deep-Fried!
According to the author, the finished karaage boasts a satisfyingly crispy outer skin while remaining tender and overflowing with natural meat juices on the inside. Every bite delivers a burst of flavor that will leave you wondering, “Was this really made without any oil?”
The author also humorously acknowledged that purists might joke, “If it isn’t deep-fried, you can’t call it karaage!” However, the author promises that anyone who gives it a taste will be pleasantly surprised by the results.
If you love Japanese fried chicken but want to cut down on your oil intake, this “Zero-Oil Karaage” recipe is a game-changer. Requiring minimal ingredients and no messy oil cleanup, it is perfect for busy weeknights or quick family dinners. Next time you’re craving fried chicken, give this viral Japanese recipe a try!
