Experience the irresistible crunch and delicate flavor of authentic Japanese Tempura with this timeless recipe. Featuring a beautifully light and airy batter made from a simple mix of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and ice-cold water, this dish perfectly complements an array of shrimp and fresh vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, sweet potato, and carrot. Fried to golden perfection in bubbling hot oil, each piece boasts a delightfully crisp texture without feeling heavy. Paired with a savory dipping sauce crafted from soy sauce, dashi, and mirin and enhanced with the subtle tang of grated daikon radish, this tempura is the ultimate taste of Japan. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or centerpiece dish, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 40 minutes and will elevate any meal to gourmet status. Perfect for at-home Japanese dining enthusiasts or those seeking an unforgettable tempura batter recipe!
Prepare the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, dashi stock, and mirin in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until warm, then set aside. Add grated daikon radish to the sauce just before serving.
Thinly slice the eggplant, zucchini, sweet potato, and carrot into bite-sized pieces or julienne as preferred. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg, then mix in the ice-cold water.
Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Lumps are fine; do not overmix to avoid activating the gluten, which can make the batter heavy.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain an even oil temperature.
Lightly coat the vegetables and shrimp with a thin layer of all-purpose flour before dipping them into the tempura batter. This helps the batter adhere better.
Carefully place the battered pieces into the hot oil, frying a few items at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they are golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Remove the tempura from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients, adjusting the oil temperature as needed to maintain consistency.
Serve the tempura immediately with the warm dipping sauce on the side.
Serving size | 2512.8 grams (2512.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 8329 |
Total Fat 854.00g | 1095% |
Saturated Fat 123.80g | 619% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 541.60g | |
Cholesterol 575mg | 192% |
Sodium 4516mg | 196% |
Total Carbohydrate 182.60g | 66% |
Dietary Fiber 20.50g | 73% |
Total Sugars 43.70g | |
Protein 72.20g | 144% |
Vitamin D 54IU | 269% |
Calcium 250mg | 19% |
Iron 10mg | 56% |
Potassium 2440mg | 52% |
Source of Calories