Note
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. Ensure they are thoroughly washed to remove any impurities.
Cutting the chicken into uniform cubes (about 1-1.5 inches) ensures even cooking.
Adding salt helps to tenderize the chicken, while vinegar adds acidity, enhancing flavor and helping to break down proteins.
Letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. For best results, marinate longer, up to 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Use measuring spoons for accuracy to ensure a balanced flavor.
Baking Soda,It helps achieve a lighter, crispier texture by creating air pockets in the batter. Don’t use too much; a little goes a long way!
.If you have time, letting the marinated chicken sit for an additional 30 minutes deepens the flavor and enhances tenderness.
Gram Flour (Besan): Provides a traditional base. You can also experiment with chickpea flour for a different taste.
Rice Flour & Cornflour: These help achieve a super crispy texture. Feel free to adjust the ratios to your preference.
Egg Addition:The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the flour to stick to the chicken. For a vegan option, you can substitute the egg with a mixture of water and flaxseed meal or use a commercial egg replacer.
Oil Temperature:Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature (170°C or 340°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to soggy pakoras.
Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning.
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the pakoras from the oil and place them on paper towels. This helps absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy.
A cooling yogurt dip is perfect to balance the spice. You can also serve them with tamarind chutney or mint chutney for added flavor.
Consider garnishing with chopped coriander, sliced onions, or lemon wedges for an extra fresh touch.