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Crunchy Chicken Nanban with Homemade Tartar Sauce

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Crispy Japanese-style fried chicken cutlets are glazed with a sweet and tangy Nanban sauce, then topped with rich, creamy homemade tartar sauce. This Chicken Nanban offers a delicious balance of crunch and flavor—perfect for dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into cutlets
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
  • Oil for frying
  • For the Nanban Sauce:
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • For the Homemade Tartar Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie)
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
  • 2 tbsp pickles or relish, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp onion, finely minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and mirin. Simmer until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped boiled egg, pickles or relish, minced onion, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
  3. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat with cornstarch.
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken cutlets until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Briefly dip the hot chicken pieces into the warm Nanban sauce to coat them lightly.
  6. Slice chicken into strips, arrange on serving plates, and top with a generous spoonful of tartar sauce.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Serve with shredded cabbage, steamed rice, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Japanese Kewpie mayo adds authentic richness to the tartar sauce.
  • Chicken thighs offer juicier results, but breasts work well too.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/crunchy-chicken-nanban-with-homemade-tartar-sauce/