Shrimp tempura is a celebration of harmony, where elegance and simplicity coexist. This dish, which has its origins in Japanese cooking, is a masterwork of deep-frying, combining luscious shrimp with crunchy batter in an enticing combination. Every bite is light and delightful because the batter is ice-cold, fluffy, and delicately wrapping each shrimp.
The careful attention to detail is what makes tempura unique. Every step helps create a perfect dish, from the precise cuts made on the shrimp to keep them from curling to the precise temperature of the oil used for frying. The shrimp tempura, which is served with a zesty tentsuyu dipping sauce, entices the taste with its clash of flavors.
What You Can Learn From This Recipe?
The secrets of deep-frying at the proper temperature will be taught to you, along with how to make light, crispy batter. To make the dish even better, you will also make a traditional Japanese dipping sauce.
What I Love About This Recipe?
The pinnacle of grace in simplicity is shrimp tempura. This meal is a personal favorite because of the golden crust, the succulent shrimp inside, and the flavorful dipping sauce. Its appeal is enhanced by its adaptability as a dinner, snack, or appetizer.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Any leftover tempura can be kept in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. To keep it crisp, reheat in an oven or air fryer. Steer clear of the microwave as it may cause the tempura to become little mushy.
What to Serve With It?
Serve steamed rice, miso soup, or a crisp cucumber salad alongside shrimp tempura. Green tea or chilled sake make excellent drinks to go with the meal.
Shrimp Tempura: Crispy Delight
Description
A traditional Japanese delicacy, shrimp tempura consists of large shrimp encased in a delicate, golden-brown batter. The batter's crisp and airy texture, which is achieved by combining flour and ice-cold water, perfectly accentuates the shrimp's sensitive interior. This dish, which is served with a side of tempura dipping sauce (tentsuyu), is a celebration of flavorful simplicity. Shrimp tempura exudes the art of Japanese cuisine with its attention to detail and harmony of textures, making it ideal as an appetizer or as a component of a larger Japanese meal.
For the Shrimp Tempura
For the Tempura Dipping Sauce (Tentsuyu):
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
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Make small diagonal cuts on the underside of each shrimp to prevent them from curling during frying.
Prepare the Batter:
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- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly.
- Add the ice-cold water and mix gently.
- Gradually sift in the flour and cornstarch, stirring gently with chopsticks or a fork.
- Do not overmix; lumps are fine.
Prepare the Sauce:
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- Combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Fry the Tempura:
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- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly coat each shrimp in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes or until the batter is golden and crisp.
- Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Serve:
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- Arrange the shrimp tempura on a platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce.
- Garnish with lemon wedges or grated daikon if desired.
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Sodium 550mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Protein 15g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use ice-cold water for the batter to ensure a light and crispy texture.
- Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt or togarashi on the tempura before serving.
