Homemade Karintō: Sweet and Crunchy Japanese Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 20g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the soy sauce, sugar, and water to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into small rectangles or balls.
7. 7.
   Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove the fried dough from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
9. 9.
   In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, and water to make the syrup. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
10. 10.
    Dip each fried dough piece into the syrup, coating it evenly.
11. 11.
    Place the coated Karintō on a wire rack to cool and allow the syrup to harden.
12. 12.
    Once cooled, the Karintō is ready to be enjoyed!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Soy sauce — Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use low-sodium soy sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the dough is well-rested to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Adjust the sweetness of the syrup according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
• For a twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger powder to the dough for extra flavor.
• Store the Karintō in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve Karintō as a delightful snack with a cup of green tea or as a sweet treat after a meal. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Karintō on a serving plate, showcasing their golden color and glossy finish. You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance.