Tempura is a favorite food in Japan, and it’s enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal. The dish is made by coating bite-sized pieces of seafood or vegetables in a light batter and then frying them in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown.
While tempura is often made with seafood, such as shrimp or squid, it can also be made with vegetables like sweet potatoes or green beans. The key to making great tempura is to use a light batter and to fry the ingredients quickly at a high temperature.
Making tempura at home is easy and requires just a few ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a classic tempura using shrimp and vegetables, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own version of this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, and ice-cold water until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Season the shrimp and vegetables with salt and pepper.
- Dip the shrimp and vegetables in the batter, shaking off any excess batter.
- Carefully lower the shrimp and vegetables into the hot oil and fry until they are crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes for the vegetables and 3-4 minutes for the shrimp.
- Remove the tempura from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve the tempura immediately with soy sauce and/or dipping sauce of your choice.
Tempura is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a special occasion or just as a treat. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make crispy and flavorful tempura at home that is sure to impress your friends and family. So, grab your frying pan and get cooking!
