15 Best Japanese Tempura Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Are you looking for the perfect recipe to make crispy and delicious Japanese tempura at home? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create the best Japanese tempura recipe that will surely impress your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be able to recreate the iconic and authentic taste of tempura right in your own kitchen. So get your apron on and let's get started!
Main Ingredients: Kombu, Dried Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Daikon
Tentsuyu, also known as tempura dipping sauce, is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It is a simple yet flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the crispy and light texture of tempura. Made from a combination of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, this sauce adds a burst of umami flavor to any dish. It can also be used as a marinade or for drizzling over rice bowls.
2of 20
Japanese Kakiage Tempura
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Sweet Potato, Shiso Leaves, Plain Flour
Kakiage tempura is a type of tempura that features a mix of thinly sliced vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers, fried together in a crispy batter. It's a popular dish in Japan, often served as an appetizer or side dish. The key to making the perfect kakiage tempura is to thinly slice the vegetables and fry them at a high temperature, creating a light and crispy texture. Serve with tentsuyu for dipping and enjoy!
Japanese pancakes, also known as hotcakes, are a fluffy and delicious breakfast treat. They are made with a batter that includes ingredients like eggs, milk, and flour, giving them a light and airy texture. Unlike traditional pancakes, Japanese pancakes are much thicker and are often served in a stack with fruits, whipped cream, and maple syrup on top. They're a must-try for any pancake lover!
4of 20
Tempura
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cornstarch, Cold Water, Baking Powder, Salt
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish that consists of battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or meat. The batter is made from a mixture of flour, water, and sometimes egg, creating a light and crispy coating. It's commonly served as an appetizer or side dish and can also be used as a topping for soba noodles or rice bowls. Tempura is a delicious and versatile dish that is loved by many around the world.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is often referred to as "Japanese pizza." It's made with a batter of flour, grated yam, and shredded cabbage, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork, seafood, or vegetables. The pancake is then topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. It's a popular street food in Japan and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country.
Japanese 'cotton' cheesecake, also known as soufflé cheesecake, is a light and fluffy dessert that has become popular worldwide. It's made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, giving it a delicate and airy texture. The cheesecake is often served with a berry compote or a dusting of powdered sugar. It's a perfect dessert for those who prefer a lighter and less dense cheesecake.
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Ice Water, Egg Yolk, Cake Flour
Shishito tempura is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features shishito peppers fried in a light and crispy tempura batter. The peppers are a popular appetizer in Japan, and the tempura coating adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor. They are often served with tentsuyu dipping sauce, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
Main Ingredients: Corncobs, Scallions, Peanut Oil, Cake Flour, Sparkling
Corn kakiage fritters are a delicious and unique twist on traditional tempura. Made with fresh corn kernels mixed with tempura batter, these fritters are fried until crispy and golden brown. They are often served as a side dish or appetizer and are a great way to enjoy the sweetness of fresh corn. Serve with tentsuyu or your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful bite.
9of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono, or Japanese cucumber salad, is a refreshing and light side dish that is commonly served in Japanese restaurants. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. This salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal, adding a burst of flavor and crunch. For an extra kick, sprinkle some sliced scallions on top.
Ramen has become a popular dish worldwide, but it originated in Japan and is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It consists of wheat noodles served in a savory broth, often flavored with ingredients like pork, chicken, or seafood. Ramen is often topped with sliced scallions, mushrooms, and a soft-boiled egg. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any season.
11of 20
Japanese Eggplant Tempura with Dipping Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
Eggplant tempura is a delicious and unique way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. The eggplant is sliced and coated in a light and crispy tempura batter, then fried until golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar for a perfect balance of flavors.
12of 20
Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular dish in Japan and are now enjoyed all over the world. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground meat, cabbage, and seasonings, then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. They are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Enjoy these flavorful and addictive dumplings as an appetizer or a main dish.
13of 20
Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and are a popular snack or side dish. They are made by shaping cooked rice into a triangle or ball and filling them with various ingredients such as tuna, salmon, or pickled plums. Onigiri is often wrapped in nori seaweed and is a convenient and delicious meal on-the-go.
Udon noodle soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold days. It features thick and chewy udon noodles served in a flavorful broth, often made from dashi and soy sauce. The soup is then topped with various ingredients such as tempura, tofu, and scallions. It's a filling and delicious meal that is loved by many.
Eggplant is a versatile and popular vegetable in Japanese cuisine. It can be grilled, fried, or stewed and is often used in dishes like tempura, stir-fries, and curries. Japanese eggplant is known for its long and slender shape and has a sweeter and less bitter taste compared to other varieties. Experiment with cooking Japanese eggplant in different ways and enjoy its unique flavor.
16of 20
Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin and chewy noodles made from buckwheat flour, and are a popular dish in Japan. They can be served hot or cold and are often topped with various ingredients such as tempura, tofu, or vegetables. One delicious way to enjoy soba noodles is with a peanut sauce, made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This dish is a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
17of 20
Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular type of Japanese skewered chicken that is grilled over charcoal. The chicken is often marinated in a sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sake, giving it a delicious sweet and savory flavor. Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan and is a must-try for anyone visiting. It's also a great dish to make at home for a summer BBQ.
18of 20
Perfect Tempura
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Yam, Onion, Eggplant, Shrimps, Canola
Making the perfect tempura can be a challenging task, but with the right technique, it can be achieved. The key is to use ice-cold water and to not overmix the batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the ingredients, but not too thick that it becomes clumpy. It's also important to fry the tempura at a high temperature to achieve a crispy and light texture. With practice, you'll be making perfect tempura in no time.
Zucchini, or courgette, is a versatile vegetable that is used in many Japanese dishes. It can be grilled, stir-fried, or used in tempura. Japanese zucchini is often long and thin, with a delicate and sweet flavor. It's a great addition to any meal and can be enjoyed in various ways.
20of 20
Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Beef steak is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Japanese cuisine, but it is a popular dish in Japan. Japanese beef steak, known as wagyu, is a high-quality and tender cut of beef, often served in high-end restaurants. It's usually served simply, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavor of the beef to shine. It's a must-try for any meat lover.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make the best Japanese tempura, you'll need:
Flour: Use all-purpose flour or a mix of all-purpose and rice flour for a light and crispy texture.
Egg: Provides structure and adds richness to the batter.
Ice Water: The key to a light and airy batter. Make sure the water is ice-cold for the best results.
Vegetables and Seafood: Choose your favorite vegetables and seafood such as shrimp, squid, sweet potato, eggplant, and green beans.
Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for deep frying.
Salt and Pepper: To season the batter and enhance the flavor of the tempura.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, and ice water until just combined. Do not overmix as this will result in a dense batter. It's okay if there are some lumps in the batter.
2. Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or wok, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). A deep-frying thermometer will come in handy to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
3. Dip and Fry
Dip your choice of vegetables or seafood into the batter, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter and carefully place it into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tempura. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain and Season
Once the tempura is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with salt and pepper while the tempura is still hot to enhance the flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade Japanese tempura with a side of tempura dipping sauce and some steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the crispy and light texture of your tempura while it's still hot and fresh.
Now that you have the perfect recipe for Japanese tempura, you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. With this easy and delicious recipe, you'll never have to go to a restaurant for tempura again. So go ahead and give it a try, and let us know how it turned out!
/GettyImages-175499020-5832eb413df78c6f6a465f83.jpg)
