Tatsutage Fried Chicken with Spicy Yuzu Mayonnaise

1. 1Combine the soy sauce, mirin, vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger in a large, nonreactive bowl. If using chicken breasts, cut them in half. Add all of the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 1/2 hours, or overnight.
2. 2Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside.
3. 3Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and arrange them skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest chicken piece reads 160°F to 165°F and the meat near the bone is no longer pink, about 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the chicken cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. (The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day at this point.) Meanwhile, make the yuzu mayonnaise, if using.

For the yuzu mayonnaise:

1. 1Whisk all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

For frying:

1. 1When the chicken is ready, heat the oil in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a deep-frying/candy thermometer. Set a wire rack over a second baking sheet; set aside.
2. 2While the oil is heating, place 1 cup of the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish; set aside. Whisk together the remaining all-purpose flour, rice flour, furikake, and salt in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the sparkling water until you have a light, smooth batter; set aside.
3. 3When the oil is ready, coat 3 of the chicken pieces with the reserved flour and shake off the excess. Dip each piece in the batter, let the excess drip off, and place in the oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the chicken to the rack on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Serve immediately with the yuzu mayonnaise, if using.