
Recipe
Homemade Crispy Tempura
Golden Delights: Crispy Homemade Tempura
4.9 out of 5
Indulge in the delicate and crispy delight of homemade tempura, a classic Japanese dish. This recipe combines the art of deep-frying with a light and airy batter, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
10 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Pescatarian, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Shellfish-free, Vegetarian
Allergens
Wheat (gluten), Shellfish (if using seafood)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Egg-free, Paleo, Keto
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.In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and ice-cold water. If desired, whisk in the egg until well incorporated.
-
2.Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to approximately 180°C (350°F).
-
3.Prepare the vegetables and seafood by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
-
4.Dip the ingredients into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
-
5.Carefully place the battered ingredients into the hot oil, frying them in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
-
6.Fry until the tempura turns golden and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.
-
7.Remove the tempura from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
-
8.Sprinkle with salt while still hot.
-
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.
More recipes...
For Tempura
For Japanese cuisine » Browse all
More Japanese cuisine dishes » Browse all

Tsukemen
Dipping Noodles
Tsukemen is a Japanese noodle dish where the noodles are served separately from the broth and are dipped into the broth before eating. The broth...

Tamagodon
Rice bowl with scrambled eggs and toppings
Tamagodon is a traditional Japanese dish that is perfect for breakfast or lunch. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is easy to make and packed...

Mori soba
Mori Soba
Mori soba is a cold Japanese noodle dish that is made with buckwheat noodles and served with a dipping sauce. It is a popular summer dish in Japan...