How to Make Tempura at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide with Ingredients, Recipe, Nutrition Facts, and Expert Tips

Short Description:
Tempura is a beloved Japanese dish known for its light, crispy batter and tender, flavorful fillings. Traditionally made with seafood and vegetables, tempura is deep-fried to golden perfection and served with a dipping sauce. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp, sweet potatoes, or zucchini, this guide will walk you through the process of making tempura at home. With a detailed ingredients list, step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, and expert tips, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality tempura in your own kitchen.


Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make tempura at home:

For the Tempura Batter:

  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
  • Egg: 1 large (chilled)
  • Ice-Cold Water: 1 cup (chilled)
  • Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the Fillings:

  • Shrimp: 10-12 large (peeled and deveined)
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 sweet potato (sliced thinly)
    • 1 zucchini (sliced into rounds or strips)
    • 1 bell pepper (sliced into rings)
    • 1 cup broccoli florets

For the Dipping Sauce (Tentsuyu):

  • Dashi Stock: 1 cup (or substitute with water)
  • Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
  • Mirin: 2 tablespoons
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon

For Frying:

  • Vegetable Oil: 2-3 cups (for deep frying)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fillings

  1. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation. Make small incisions along the underside to prevent curling.
  2. Slice the sweet potato, zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Pat all fillings dry with paper towels to ensure the batter adheres properly.

Step 2: Make the Dipping Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Tempura Batter

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.
  2. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the chilled egg and mix it with the ice-cold water.
  3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter should be lumpy—this is key to achieving a light and crispy texture.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

  1. Fill a deep pot or skillet with 2-3 cups of vegetable oil and heat it to 340-360°F (170-180°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Step 5: Fry the Tempura

  1. Dip the fillings into the batter, shaking off any excess.
  2. Carefully place them in the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes and vegetables for 1-2 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  4. Remove the tempura with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve the tempura immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
  2. Garnish with grated daikon radish or a sprinkle of salt for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Tempura is a delicious treat, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its frying process. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving (3-4 pieces):

  • Calories: 200-300 kcal
  • Protein: 8-12g (from shrimp and batter)
  • Carbohydrates: 20-30g (mainly from batter and vegetables)
  • Fats: 10-15g (from frying oil)
  • Fiber: 2-4g (from vegetables)
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the vegetables.

Health Benefits of Tempura

  1. Rich in Vegetables: Tempura often includes nutrient-dense vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and broccoli, which are high in vitamins and antioxidants.
  2. Good Source of Protein: Shrimp and other seafood used in tempura provide high-quality protein.
  3. Quick Cooking Method: Frying retains the nutrients in vegetables better than boiling.
  4. Customizable: You can use a variety of vegetables and proteins to suit your dietary preferences.

Ending Notes and Tips

  • Keep the Batter Cold: Use ice-cold water and refrigerate the batter briefly to ensure a light, crispy texture.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Lumps are good! Overmixing will result in a dense, heavy coating.
  • Control the Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 340-360°F (170-180°C) for even frying.
  • Serve Immediately: Tempura is best enjoyed fresh and crispy.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Try mushrooms, green beans, or even tofu for variety.

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