Homemade Crispy Tempura

Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice-cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) ice-cold water
• 1 egg (optional) 1 egg (optional)
• Assorted vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms) Assorted vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms)
• Assorted seafood (such as shrimp, squid, and white fish fillets) Assorted seafood (such as shrimp, squid, and white fish fillets)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, for seasoning Salt, for seasoning

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and ice-cold water. If desired, whisk in the egg until well incorporated.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to approximately 180°C (350°F).
3. 3.
   Prepare the vegetables and seafood by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
4. 4.
   Dip the ingredients into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the battered ingredients into the hot oil, frying them in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
6. 6.
   Fry until the tempura turns golden and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.
7. 7.
   Remove the tempura from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle with salt while still hot.
9. 9.
   Serve the tempura immediately with tentsuyu dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Vegetables — Ensure the vegetables are dry before dipping them into the batter to prevent excess moisture from affecting the crispiness.
• Seafood — Pat the seafood dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before coating them in the batter.

Tips & Tricks

• Use ice-cold water to ensure a light and crispy batter.
• Fry the tempura in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
• Serve the tempura immediately to enjoy the optimal texture.
• Experiment with different vegetables and seafood to create your own unique tempura combinations.
• For a twist, try adding a pinch of your favorite spices or herbs to the batter for added flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade crispy tempura as a main course or as part of a Japanese-style meal. Accompany it with steamed rice, miso soup, and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tempura on a platter, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions for an added touch of visual appeal.