16 Traditional Japanese Tempura Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
One of Japan's most beloved and iconic dishes, tempura has been enjoyed for centuries. This traditional Japanese tempura recipe is a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. Made with simple ingredients and a delicate cooking technique, tempura is a dish that is both delicious and visually stunning. In this article, we will dive into the history of tempura and share a professional and well-organized introduction to help you recreate this classic dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Kombu, Dried Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Daikon
If you're looking for a classic Japanese dipping sauce to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than tentsuyu. This savory sauce is made from a combination of dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor that complements the crispiness of the chicken. Plus, it's so simple to make, you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before.
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Japanese Kakiage Tempura
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Sweet Potato, Shiso Leaves, Plain Flour
Kakiage tempura is a type of tempura that features a variety of thinly sliced vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and sweet potatoes, all deep-fried to crispy perfection. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meal. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of pancakes, you'll love this Japanese twist on the classic breakfast food. Japanese style pancakes, also known as hotcakes, are made with a combination of flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar. The result is a fluffy, slightly sweet pancake that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of beer can chicken.
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Tempura
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cornstarch, Cold Water, Baking Powder, Salt
No list of Japanese recipes would be complete without mentioning tempura. This dish features a variety of battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, and even meats. The key to a successful tempura is to use cold ingredients and hot oil, resulting in a perfect crispy texture. Serve it as a side dish or appetizer to your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that has become a popular street food in Japan. It typically consists of a batter made from flour, eggs, cabbage, and a variety of other ingredients such as meat, seafood, or cheese. This dish is a great way to add some extra protein to your meal, making it a perfect pairing with beer can chicken.
If you're a fan of cheesecake, you have to try the Japanese version. Japanese 'cotton' cheesecake is a light and airy dessert that is made with a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. The result is a delicate and fluffy cheesecake that pairs perfectly with the heartiness of beer can chicken. Trust us, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Ice Water, Egg Yolk, Cake Flour
Shishito peppers are a popular Japanese snack that is typically grilled or sautéed, but have you ever tried them tempura-style? Shishito tempura is a delicious and addictive dish that features the peppers battered and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy and flavorful appetizer. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a unique and tasty meal.
Main Ingredients: Corncobs, Scallions, Peanut Oil, Cake Flour, Sparkling
Kakiage fritters are a type of tempura that feature a variety of ingredients, and fresh corn is the star of this dish. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the crispy batter, making it a great addition to your beer can chicken meal. Serve it as a side dish or appetizer for a tasty and unexpected twist.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and light Japanese cucumber salad, known as sunomono, is the perfect side dish for any meal. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing, making it a great palate cleanser between bites of beer can chicken. Plus, it's a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal.
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Japanese Eggplant Tempura with Dipping Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
Eggplant tempura is a popular dish in Japan, and for good reason. The crispy batter perfectly complements the soft and creamy texture of the eggplant. Drizzle a bit of dipping soy sauce on top for an extra burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This dish is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
Ramen has become a global sensation, and for good reason. This noodle soup features a flavorful broth, a variety of toppings, and of course, noodles. Enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen alongside your beer can chicken for a comforting and satisfying meal. Don't forget to slurp your noodles for the full Japanese experience!
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. These bite-sized snacks are made from cooked rice formed into a triangular shape and often filled with a variety of ingredients. They make for a great side dish to your beer can chicken, and are perfect for eating on the go.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular dish in Japan and have become a favorite around the world. These dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables, then pan-fried to crispy perfection. They make for a great appetizer or side dish to your beer can chicken, and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Udon noodle soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that features thick and chewy udon noodles in a savory broth. Top it with some sliced green onions and enjoy alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal. Don't forget to slurp your noodles for the full experience!
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Whether it's grilled, sautéed, or even deep-fried, this vegetable is a great addition to any meal. Try it alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a popular dish in Japan. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, and in this recipe, they are served with a delicious peanut sauce. Enjoy them as a side dish to your beer can chicken, or add some protein, such as tofu or chicken, to make it a complete meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
No list of Japanese recipes would be complete without mentioning yakitori. This popular street food features skewered and grilled chicken, often seasoned with a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Enjoy it as a side dish or appetizer to your beer can chicken for a delicious and authentic Japanese meal.
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Perfect Tempura
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Yam, Onion, Eggplant, Shrimps, Canola
If you want to achieve the perfect tempura, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Make sure to use cold ingredients, use a high-quality oil, and don't overcrowd your pan. With these tips in mind, you'll have perfectly crispy tempura to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
Zucchini may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but it's a popular ingredient in many dishes. Try grilling or sautéing zucchini and adding a touch of soy sauce for a delicious and simple side dish to your beer can chicken.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
For a special occasion, consider adding Japanese beef steak to your beer can chicken meal. This dish features high-quality cuts of beef, marinated and grilled to perfection. Pair it with some steamed rice and a side of vegetables for a complete and indulgent meal.
The Origins of Tempura
Tempura has its roots in the Edo period of Japan, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. During this time, Portuguese traders introduced the concept of frying food in oil to the Japanese, and tempura was born. The name "tempura" comes from the Portuguese word "tempero," which means seasoning or spice. The dish quickly gained popularity and was commonly sold by street vendors in Japan. Today, tempura is a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found in restaurants all over the world.
The Ingredients
The key to a delicious tempura lies in the quality of the ingredients used. Traditionally, tempura is made with seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish, as well as vegetables like eggplant, sweet potato, and pumpkin. The batter is made from a mixture of flour, egg, and ice-cold water, which gives tempura its light and crispy texture. The most important aspect of making tempura is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
The Cooking Technique
The secret to achieving the perfect tempura lies in the cooking technique. The oil used for frying should be heated to a temperature of around 170-180 degrees Celsius. The batter should be mixed quickly and lightly, leaving some lumps for added texture. The key to achieving a light and crispy coating is to fry the ingredients in small batches for a short amount of time. This ensures that the tempura does not absorb too much oil and becomes soggy.
Serving and Enjoying Tempura
Once the tempura is cooked, it should be served immediately to maintain its crispiness. It is traditionally served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi stock. Tempura can also be enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice and a side of daikon radish for added flavor. The combination of the light and crispy tempura with the savory dipping sauce is what makes this dish truly irresistible.
In conclusion, tempura is a dish that has stood the test of time and remains a staple in Japanese cuisine. Its simple yet delicate flavors and visually appealing presentation make it a must-try for anyone interested in Japanese food. With this traditional Japanese tempura recipe, you can recreate this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
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