Crispy and Delicious Homemade Tempura Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 8 prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 1 small sweet potato, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 small bell pepper, sliced into thin rings
  • 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
  • Oil for deep-frying
  • Salt for serving
  • Tempura dipping sauce for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by heating the oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. While the oil is heating, sift the flour, salt, and baking soda together into a bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg until it is light and frothy. Stir in the cold sparkling water.
  4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the egg and water mixture. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be a bit lumpy.
  5. Dip the prawns and vegetables into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off.
  6. Carefully place a few pieces at a time into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  7. Remove the fried tempura with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a bit of salt while still hot.
  8. Repeat with the remaining prawns and vegetables.
  9. Once all the tempura is cooked, serve immediately with tempura dipping sauce.

Tools for making

  • Deep-fryer or large saucepan - Needed to heat the oil for deep-frying the tempura.
  • Sifter - Used to sift the flour, salt, and baking soda together.
  • Bowl - Used to mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately.
  • Whisk - Used to beat the egg until it is light and frothy.
  • Slotted spoon - Used to remove the fried tempura from the oil.
  • Paper towels - Used to drain the fried tempura and remove excess oil.
  • Tempura dipping sauce dish - Used to serve the tempura dipping sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of flour such as rice flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
  • Try different vegetables like broccoli florets, sweet corn, or mushrooms.
  • Experiment with different seafood options such as squid, scallops, or fish fillets.
  • Add some spices or herbs to the batter like chili powder, garlic powder, or dried mixed herbs.
  • Create a spicy dipping sauce by adding sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Make a vegetarian version by replacing the prawns with tofu or tempeh.
  • For a lighter crust, use club soda or beer instead of sparkling water.
  • Add a twist by incorporating grated cheese or diced jalapenos into the batter.
  • Try a tempura dessert variation by dipping fruits like banana slices or apple rings into the batter.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like soy-ginger, honey mustard, or wasabi mayo.

Recipe overview

This Tempura recipe will guide you through the process of creating light, crispy, and delicious Japanese-style fried food at home. Perfect for a unique starter or a fun main dish, this recipe features a variety of vegetables and prawns coated in a simple batter and fried until golden. The batter's secret ingredient is cold sparkling water, which helps to create that signature light and crispy Tempura texture. It's quick and easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and some fresh veggies and prawns. Served with a tangy Tempura dipping sauce, it's a culinary adventure that is sure to impress. Remember, the key to perfect Tempura is to not over-mix the batter and to maintain the right oil temperature. Dive in and enjoy this Japanese classic dish at home!

Common questions

  1. How do I make the tempura batter?
    To make the tempura batter, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg until light and frothy, then stir in 1 cup of cold sparkling water. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg and water mixture, being careful not to over-mix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
  2. What vegetables can I use for tempura?
    You can use a variety of vegetables for tempura. Some popular choices include sweet potato, zucchini, bell pepper, and green onions. Slice the vegetables into thin rounds or rings for frying.
  3. Can I use a different type of oil for deep-frying?
    While traditionally tempura is made with vegetable oil, you can use other types of oil with a high smoke point like canola oil or peanut oil.
  4. What is the ideal temperature for frying tempura?
    The ideal temperature for frying tempura is around 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that the tempura cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
  5. How long should I fry the tempura?
    Fry the tempura for about 3-4 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Make sure to turn the pieces occasionally for even cooking.
  6. What can I serve with tempura?
    Tempura is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. You can also serve it with a side of grated daikon radish or a sprinkle of salt for added flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Deep-fryer or large saucepan - A deep-fryer or large saucepan is essential for deep-frying the tempura to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon is useful for removing the fried tempura from the oil and draining off excess oil.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are needed for draining the fried tempura and removing any excess oil.
  • Sifter - A sifter is helpful for sifting the flour, salt, and baking soda together to ensure a smooth batter.
  • Bowls - Bowls are necessary for mixing the dry ingredients and preparing the batter, as well as for holding the beaten egg and sparkling water mixture.
  • Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork can be used to beat the egg until frothy and to mix the dry ingredients with the egg and water mixture.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for peeling and deveining the prawns, as well as for slicing the sweet potato, bell pepper, green onions, and zucchini.
  • Deep-frying thermometer - A deep-frying thermometer is helpful for maintaining the oil temperature at the ideal level for frying the tempura.
  • Tempura dipping sauce bowls - Small bowls for serving the tempura dipping sauce.

Origin stories

Tempura, renowned for its light, crispy batter, famously hails from Japan but ironically, its origins are not indigenous. The art of deep-frying food in a light batter, what we know today as tempura, was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. The name "tempura" derives from the Portuguese "tempero," which means seasoning. The Portuguese, observing a period called "Quattuor Tempora" where they abstained from meat, used to fry their vegetables and fish, thus introducing the concept to Japan. Over time, the Japanese adapted and perfected the technique, turning tempura into the world-famous delicacy it is today. The irony of tempura is that while it's a dish served around the world as a quintessential element of Japanese cuisine, it's actually a culinary technique borrowed from the West. So, every time you savor a piece of tempura, remember that you're enjoying a delicious symbol of cultural exchange that took place centuries ago.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.