Chicken gizzards, often overlooked, are a culinary treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Their firm texture and rich, savory flavor make them a perfect canvas for a variety of cooking methods. Today, we're elevating them to star status with a recipe inspired by the Japanese yakitori tradition: crispy fried chicken gizzards paired with tender-crisp asparagus. This recipe delivers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, creating a dish that's both satisfying and sophisticated. Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried gizzards, the subtle bitterness of the asparagus, all beautifully balanced with a simple yet flavorful seasoning.
This unique combination of textures and flavors will impress even the most discerning palate. The preparation is surprisingly straightforward, offering a delicious and manageable weeknight meal. Forget bland, boring side dishes – this recipe transforms a humble ingredient into a culinary masterpiece. Ready to learn how to create this incredible dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- cutting board
- knife
- frying pan
- skewers (optional)
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Purchase chicken gizzards.
- Remove the hard, silvery white parts from both sides, pressing them against the cutting board to avoid waste.
- Snap off the tough base of the asparagus. Peel the bottom skin with a peeler. Cut in half or thirds, as desired.
- Combine mayonnaise, curry powder, and sugar (2 pinches).
- Mix equal parts potato starch and cake flour.
Step 2. Marinate and Coat
- Sprinkle with salt (2 pinches), pepper, and grated garlic. Rub the seasoning into the gizzards thoroughly.
- Allow the seasoned gizzards to marinate for at least 30 minutes (ideally longer).
- Toss the marinated gizzards and asparagus in the batter.
Step 3. Fry and Season
- Heat oil to 170°C. Fry the asparagus first, then the gizzards. Fry gizzards for 2-3 minutes, without touching until the batter hardens, then gently loosen and continue frying until golden brown.
Step 4. Serve
- Sprinkle fried gizzards and asparagus with salt. Serve with curry mayonnaise and lemon wedges.
Read more: Chikuwa Isobeage Recipe: Crispy Fish Cake Tempura
Tips
- For a crispier texture, use a mixture of potato starch and cake flour in the batter.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches for best results.
- The longer the gizzards marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken gizzards?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted completely dry before breading and frying for optimal crispiness.
2. What if I don't have mirin?
You can substitute with a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of rice vinegar or white wine for a similar level of sweetness and acidity.
3. How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use a cooking spray instead of fully submerging the gizzards in oil. You can also bake the gizzards at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy. Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the gizzards.
This yakitori-inspired recipe proves that chicken gizzards are anything but ordinary, offering a delicious and unexpected culinary adventure. The satisfying crunch of the gizzards paired with the tender asparagus creates a truly memorable dish. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed by the simple yet impressive flavors of this recipe!