In almost every culture around the world, there is a variation of fried chicken wings somewhere in their culinary recipe book. Different countries take the humble protein, put their own spin on the dish, and help it be representative of their approach to food.
While many people may immediately think of the American South when discussing fried chicken wings, they’re missing out on a world of new horizons, flavor profiles, and crunchiness if they don’t try going outside the familiar. At Kabuto Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar, our fried chicken wings uphold the culinary tradition of this humble dish. Here is a brief history of Japanese fried chicken wings and what makes them unique.
The Birth of Nagoya-Style Fried Chicken Wings
When it comes to the modern style Japanese fried chicken wings, their origins can be traced back to a restaurant located in Nagoya that was looking to make their signature grilled half chicken recipe. When inspiration struck, the wings from these cut-up chickens were placed in a pile and were about to be used primarily to make the chicken stock for the main dish.
He took the same soy-based sweet sauce the rest of the chicken was cooked in, applied them to the wings, fried them, and came away with the most popular dish on the menu. As other restaurants started to learn how to make these wings, Japanese fried chicken wings began to establish themselves as one of the most delicious options around the globe.
What Sets Japanese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Apart
Whether you’re looking for Nashville Hot Chicken, Cajun style, or something from one of the American coasts, what helps set fried chicken wings apart almost always comes down to vital components — the crunch and the sauce. The satisfying first bite and the blast of flavor help solidify the experience for diners worldwide. For the Japanese tradition, how kitchens across the globe achieve this harmony proves vital.
Getting the Crunch
Different cultures focus on getting a satisfying crunch through various cooking methods. Some emphasize the oil used; others focus on how often the chicken is coated and what kind of wing is used. Of course, all of these details play important roles in the process. The Japanese style focuses on developing a minimalist style crunch that still packs a flavorful punch. You can find options where the wings aren’t coated at all (su-age) or with a coating of potato starch flour.
The Sauce
While a good bare-fried chicken wing can be a fantastic culinary experience in its own right, most of the time, people want that sauce to set the tone. Spicy, sweet, bold, or extremely hot are all commonly associated with chicken wings in every culture and restaurant experience.
A bad sauce can ruin the entire meal for someone — no matter how perfectly executed the wing itself is. Kabuto features two options for our wings — spicy zin or teriyaki. These two types of sauces help showcase what makes Japanese fried chicken so memorable.
Come to Kabuto Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar for a Taste!
Now that you know the brief history of Japanese fried chicken and what helps set it apart from the rest, you’ll want to try it for yourself. Finding a Japanese steak house in East Norriton, PA, is easier than ever, thanks to Kabuto Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar! We have served the finest Japanese cuisine to our diners and look forward to sharing our cooking techniques and approaches with you. Please stop by the restaurant to check out our menu and see what makes us different today!