Wagamama Crispy Chicken Katsu Salad Recipe 2024: Wagamama Menu (2024)

ByasadJanuary 19, 2024January 19, 2024

Miss Wagamama’s irresistible Crispy Chicken Katsu Salad? Don’t fret! You can bring this iconic dish home with this easy recipe. Imagine juicy katsu perched atop a bed of vibrant greens, drizzled with a tangy sesame dressing. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture – crispy, juicy, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying.

The secret lies in the panko crust. Light and airy, it shatters with every bite, revealing tender chicken beneath. The salad is no afterthought – a medley of crunchy veg and greens complements the richness of the katsu, while the sesame dressing adds a touch of Asian magic.

So ditch the takeaway menus and grab your apron. This recipe is surprisingly simple, and soon, you’ll be savoring your Wagamama masterpiece, restaurant-worthy and homemade. Let’s get cookin’!

Wagamama Crispy Chicken Katsu Salad recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken Katsu:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded cucumber
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Extra:

• Cooked sticky rice to serve

Step-by-Step Instructions for Wagamama Crispy Chicken Katsu Salad

Step 1: Prepping the Katsu Stars:

1. Transforming Tender Birds: Gently transform those boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin warriors, slicing them into cutlets about the thickness of your pinkie finger (around 1/2 inch). Shower them with the armor of salt and pepper, ready to battle the hot oil.
2. The Breading Brigade: Assemble your breading station! Gather your white flour troops in one shallow dish, ready to coat the chicken in a light dusting. In another bowl, whisk your egg into a golden bath, waiting to embrace the chicken. Finally, prepare the panko breadcrumb brigade in a third dish, eager to give the chicken a crispy, airy shield.

Step 2: The Frying Battlefield:

1. Heating the Oil Sea: Fill your trusty pot or Dutch oven with enough vegetable oil to create a 1-inch deep ocean. Imagine the oil shimmering like a mirage in the desert as you heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of around 350°F, hot enough to transform the chicken into crispy champions.
2. Dipping and Dredging, a Dance of Coating: Now, dip each chicken cutlet into the flour army, ensuring they’re lightly dusted. Next, plunge them into the golden egg bath, letting the eggy goodness embrace every nook and cranny. Finally, roll them like joyful puppies in the panko brigade, ensuring they’re covered in a thick, airy coat. Repeat this dance for every chicken warrior.
3. The Golden Baptism: Carefully lower your breaded warriors into the hot oil sea, like brave ships setting sail. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the oil temperature will drop, leading to soggy soldiers. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, watching them transform into golden titans with a satisfying crunch. Once they’re cooked through and sporting a beautiful tan, rescue them from the oil onto a paper towel island, where they can drain and rest.

Step 3: Building the Salad Sanctuary:

1. A Bed of Fresh Greens: In a large bowl, assemble your salad sanctuary. Imagine a vibrant meadow of mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine, the choice is yours), dotted with shredded carrot and cucumber ribbons, flecked with slivers of red onion, and adorned with ruby cherry tomato halves.
2. Sesame Toasted Treasure: To add a nutty depth of flavor, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown, like little toasted treasures. Sprinkle them over your salad meadow, adding a touch of magic.

Step 4: The Tangy Sesame Dressing Tsunami:

1. Whisking the Flavor Wave: In a small bowl, prepare your sesame dressing tsunami. Imagine a wave of rich sesame oil, laced with the tang of rice vinegar, the umami depth of soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, the kick of Dijon mustard, and the warmth of ginger paste. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a harmonious wave, ready to dress your salad.

Step 5: The Grand Assembly:

1. Crowning the Salad: Drizzle the desired amount of your sesame dressing tsunami over the vibrant salad meadow. Now, place your golden chicken katsu warriors atop this verdant throne, like kings and queens ruling their domain. You can even add a bed of fluffy sticky rice, like loyal subjects kneeling before their sovereigns.
2. The Triumphant Feast: Finally, the moment of truth arrives. Dig in and savor your creation! The satisfying crunch of the panko crust, the juicy tenderness of the chicken, the refreshing bite of the salad, and the tangy embrace of the dressing will explode in your mouth, transporting you to the culinary haven of Wagamama, in the comfort of your own home.

Bonus Tips:

• Double-dip the chicken in the egg and panko before frying for extra crispiness.
• Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to prevent soggy breading.
• Get creative with your salad! Add shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for a personalized touch.
• Play with the dressing! Add a touch of sriracha for a spicy kick or agave nectar for a vegan option.

Health considerations:

Positives:

• Protein Power: The chicken provides a good source of protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• Fiber Friends: The salad base and vegetables offer dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, contributing to overall health and well-being.
• Sesame Seed Benefits: Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants, benefiting heart health and bone density.

Points to Consider:

• Frying: The chicken is deep-fried, which adds significant calories and unhealthy fats. Consider alternative cooking methods like baking or pan-frying with less oil.
• Sodium: The soy sauce and miso paste in the dressing contribute to the sodium content. Opt for low-sodium alternatives or use the dressing sparingly.
• Honey: Honey adds sweetness but also increases sugar content. Consider using a natural sweetener like stevia or agave nectar in moderation.
• Calorie Count: While filling, the dish can be high in calories due to the fried chicken and dressing. Adjust portion sizes and opt for healthier sides like brown rice instead of white.
• Gluten-Free options: If you have gluten sensitivities, choose gluten-free panko breadcrumbs made from cornflakes or almond flour.

Tips for a Healthier Version:

• Bake the chicken: Coat the chicken in panko and olive oil spray, then bake until golden brown and crispy.
• Air-fry the chicken: Air fryers use less oil and can still achieve a crispy texture.
• Choose leaner chicken: Opt for chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce fat content.
• Make your dressing: Control the ingredients and sodium content by making your dressing with healthier oils and vinegar.
• Go light on the dressing: Drizzle the dressing sparingly to limit added calories and fat.
• Add more veggies: Bulk up the salad with additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli for increased fiber and nutrient intake.
• Choose whole grains: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a boost of fiber and nutrients.

Explore the recommended Wagamama Katsu Curry recipe right here. For more information related to this article, please check out this link: Wagamama katsu curry recipe.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – your culinary passport to Wagamama-inspired bliss, right in your kitchen! With this detailed guide, you can recreate the iconic Crispy Chicken Katsu Salad, crispy, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Remember, tweak the recipe to your taste, adjust it to your health considerations, and most importantly, have fun!

This dish is an invitation to play with flavors, textures, and ingredients, so let your creativity take flight and enjoy the journey. Every bite will be a celebration of your culinary prowess, transporting you to the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of Wagamama, all from the comfort of your own home. Now go forth, brave cooks, and conquer the Crispy Chicken Katsu Salad! May your feast be epic, your crunch deafening, and your taste buds eternally grateful.