Amakara Tebanaka Karaage : Japanese Fried Chicken Wings

手羽中のからあげ甘辛だれ /The Ultimate “Amakara” Fried Chicken Wings (Tebanaka Karaage)

“Cheap! Quick! Delicious!” This tebanaka recipe is the ultimate triple threat. ヽ(´▽｀)/

These deep-fried Tebanaka (chicken mid-wings) are tossed in a classic Japanese Amakara Dare—a addictive glaze made from soy sauce and sugar.

Imagine the satisfying crackle of golden wings hitting the oil, followed by the sweet, soy-glaze aroma that fills your kitchen as the sauce thickens.

I planned to save half for lunch the next day, but they disappeared in minutes. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

What is “Tebanaka”?

In Japan, chicken wings are called Teba, and we divide them into three parts:

Tebamoto: The drumette (base of the wing).
Tebasaki: The wing tip.
Tebanaka: The succulent middle section.

Why use Tebanaka? It is often sold split in half at Japanese supermarkets. It has the perfect amount of elasticity, and because the meat is concentrated around the bone, it’s packed with flavor. It also cooks much faster than whole wings!

Craving More? Check out this Recipe! > 👉 [Japanese roast chicken recipe with garlic soy sauce (Tebamoto)]

They are incredibly plump and juicy—the combination of the meaty texture and the fragrant garlic soy sauce is absolutely irresistible!

The Secret of “Amakara” Sauce

The word Amakara comes from:

Ama: Sweet (from sugar and mirin)
Kara: Salty (from soy sauce)

When you heat this mixture, a caramelization occurs along with the Maillard reaction (where amino acids in the soy sauce react with the sugar). This creates that beautiful glossy brown color and a deep, savory aroma that defines Japanese home cooking like Teriyaki.

📉NUTRITION FACTS (Serves 2) : Tebanaka Karaage

/The waste rate of tebanaka is calculated as 45%.

Nutrition Facts (Per Recipe)

Calories: 681 kcal
Protein: 31.1 g
Total Fat: 51.9 g
Total Carbohydrates: 20.2 g
Salt Equivalents: 4.9 g

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 341 kcal
Protein: 15.6 g
Total Fat: 26.0 g
Total Carbohydrates: 10.1 g
Salt Equivalents: 2.5 g

Complete Your Meal: A Balanced Japanese Dinner 🍱

To make this a nutritionally balanced feast, I recommend pairing the Amakara Chicken Wings with these traditional Japanese sides. This combination offers a perfect mix of protein, fiber, and comfort!

High-Fiber Hijiki Seaweed Rice Boost your fiber intake with this fragrant and earthy rice dish. The subtle ocean flavors of the hijiki perfectly complement the sweet and salty chicken.👉 [ Hijiki Nimono (Hijiki Seaweed salad)]
Vegetable-Packed Miso Soup A warm, comforting bowl filled with seasonal vegetables. It’s a great way to add extra nutrients and a light, savory finish to your meal.👉 [ Easy Miso Soup Using Dashi stock granules]
Dashi-Infused Simmered Koya Tofu Experience the unique texture of freeze-dried tofu. Each bite releases a burst of savory dashi broth that has soaked deep into the tofu—a gentle, high-protein side dish.👉 [ Koya dofu fukumeni (Simmered freeze dried tofu)]

INGREDIENTS : Tebanaka Karaage

Chicken: 300g Tebanaka (mid-wings)
Seasoning: 2g Salt, plenty of Pepper
Coating: 8g Wheat Flour (I recommend “cooking flour” for a lighter, non-sticky finish)
Frying Oil: 24g (approx. 8% absorption rate)
The Sauce (☆):
- 18g Soy sauce
- 15g Mirin
- 15g Sake
- 5g Sugar
- 30g Water
Topping: 2g White sesame seeds

🍴How to make Tebanaka Karaage

Prep the Chicken: Wipe off any moisture from the surface of the wings with a paper towel.
Season: Rub the salt and pepper into the wings and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Coat: Lightly sprinkle flour over the wings. Shake off any excess.
Fry: Heat oil to 170°C (338°F) and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Simmer the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, combine all the sauce ingredients (☆) in a separate frying pan and bring to a simmer.
The Glaze: Toss the fried chicken into the pan with the sauce. Turn the heat to high. As the sauce bubbles and reduces, you’ll be hit with a fragrant, caramelized aroma.
Finish: Once the wings are completely coated and the sauce is glossy, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with white sesame seeds and enjoy!

How to make tebanaka karaage with amakara dare　：In the video, I rub the chicken wings with grated garlic and soy sauce instead of salt and pepper, which is also a recommended version.

📖Related Link: Read the Japanese version of this article here! [あまから手羽中からあげ：手羽先の唐揚げ]　　　

naokoan

Hi, I’m Naoko! I am a licensed Registered Dietitian in Japan, currently working in a hospital setting. My daily mission is to provide nutritious, healing meals to patients, ensuring that every dish supports their health and brings a smile to their face. My recipes are more than just cooking guides—they are built on scientific nutritional balance and clinical experience. Why I provide ingredients in grams (g): You might notice that all my recipes use precise gram measurements. This is because, as a dietitian, I believe that accuracy is the key to true health management. Whether you are tracking calories, managing salt intake, or simply want to recreate the exact flavor of a professional hospital kitchen, these measurements ensure your success and well-being. My Specialty: I specialize in high-pressure cooking and oven recipes that save time without sacrificing nutrition. My goal is to introduce the world to “Real Japanese Home Cooking”—dishes that are simple, budget-friendly, and body-friendly. I’m thrilled to share the wisdom of Japanese nutrition with you. Let’s cook our way to a healthier life!