Japan · Appetizers and Sandwiches

Tempura

25 min4 servings320 kcal

Vegetables and shrimp dipped in ice-cold batter and fried until shatteringly crisp.

Tempura

Ingredients

  • egg1
  • ice water1 cup
  • flour1 cup
  • ice cubesas needed
  • vegetableschoice
  • seafoodchoice
  • vegetable oilfor frying
  • salt and pepperto taste
  • soy saucefor serving

Method

  1. 1In a large bowl, mix egg and ice water.
  2. 2Add the flour all at once and stir with chopsticks for only a few strokes — stop while dry lumps and streaks of flour remain. A smooth, well-mixed batter develops gluten and fries up heavy and bready.
  3. 3Drop a few ice cubes into the batter and keep the bowl in the fridge or set it over a bowl of ice while you cut the vegetables and heat the oil. Do not stir it again before frying.
  4. 4Cut the vegetables and seafood into bite-sized pieces.
  5. 5Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 180°C.
  6. 6Dip each piece into the batter and deep-fry until golden (about 2-3 minutes).
  7. 7Place on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with soy sauce.