January 5, 2010

Mochiko Chicken

Mochiko chicken is one of the famous Hawaiian dishes. If you've never had mochiko chicken before, be aware that this fried chicken dish is a bit sweet since one of the major component is sugar. I find adding sesame oil and/or sesame seeds to the chicken makes it more flavorful. You can eat this on its own or with rice. However you choose, this is ono kine grind! Who needs to buy a plane ticket to Hawaii when you can make your own island fare at home, huh?


About 3 lbs. of chicken thighs or chicken breasts or both (deboned)
1/4 cup mochiko (sweet rice flour)
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
5 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoon chopped ginger
2 eggs
Some scallions for garnish

Cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl (except the scallions for garnish). Mix well. Let chicken marinate in a ziploc bag overnight in the fridge.

Heat oil. Fry chicken pieces until brown. I like mine well done so I fry them till it's dark brown. If you want, you can use a slotted spoon to spoon out fried bits and pieces from the oil. Drain well. Garnish with scallions. Serves about 4 person.