Are you craving that perfect crunch? Look no further! Tempura, a Japanese cooking technique, has taken the world by storm with its crispy exterior and tender interior. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 mouth-watering tempura recipes that will satisfy your cravings. From classic shrimp tempura to innovative vegetable and seafood variations, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, our recipes are designed to be easy to follow and yield delicious results. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the wonderful world of tempura!
Classic Shrimp Tempura with Dipping Sauce
Experience the delight of Japanese cuisine with this classic shrimp tempura recipe, paired with a savory dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dipping Sauce (see below)
– Optional: tempura bits or grated daikon radish for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add soda water, stirring until batter forms.
3. Dip shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Serve with tempura immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (includes frying time)
Vegetable Tempura with Sweet Potato and Zucchini
A crispy and delicious twist on traditional tempura, this recipe combines sweet potato and zucchini for a flavorful and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch sticks
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tempura seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add soda water to the bowl, stirring until smooth batter forms.
3. Dip sweet potato sticks and zucchini slices into the batter, coating evenly.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry battered vegetables in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Spicy Crab Tempura Rolls
Spicy Crab Tempura Rolls Recipe
This recipe combines the classic tempura roll with a spicy twist by adding crispy tempura bits and spicy crab filling to create a unique and flavorful dish. Perfect for sushi lovers looking to spice up their meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 8-10 pieces of sushi rice and nori seaweed sheets
– Spicy crab filling (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional: tempura bits (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tempura batter by whisking together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
2. Add ice-cold soda water to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
3. Cut nori sheets into desired sizes for rolling sushi.
4. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions.
5. Assemble the rolls by spreading spicy crab filling on top of cooked sushi rice, then adding optional tempura bits if using.
6. Dip the roll in the prepared tempura batter and deep-fry until golden brown.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tempura Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli
Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the richness of garlic aioli. This dish is perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Garlic Aioli ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
+ 3 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each mushroom slice into the batter, coating evenly.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the mushrooms in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
4. For the Garlic Aioli, mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the tempura mushrooms with garlic aioli for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Panko-Crusted Chicken Tempura
A Japanese-inspired twist on traditional tempura, this recipe yields crispy and juicy chicken pieces coated with a light and airy Panko breadcrumb mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 2 eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional: Tonkatsu sauce or tempura dipping sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip the floured chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat with Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
5. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, depending on the number of chicken pieces and frying time.
Tempura Green Beans with Wasabi Mayo
Elevate your snack game with this addictive Japanese-inspired treat. Crispy tempura green beans pair perfectly with a tangy wasabi mayonnaise dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Wasabi mayo (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and soda water until smooth.
2. Add green beans to the batter and toss to coat.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry green beans in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve tempura green beans hot with wasabi mayo for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total (including frying time).
Seafood Tempura Platter with Squid and Scallops
Experience the thrill of Asian-inspired flavors with this mouthwatering seafood tempura platter, featuring tender squid and succulent scallops coated in a light and crispy batter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1/2 pound cleaned squid, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 12 large scallops
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and dipping sauce of your choice
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and soda water until smooth batter forms.
2. Dip squid and scallop pieces into the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry battered seafood in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from oil with slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
6. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes (including frying time)
Tempura Avocado Slices with Sriracha Drizzle
Elevate your snack game with this unique fusion of crispy tempura and creamy avocado, perfectly balanced by a spicy kick from the Sriracha drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocado slices into desired thickness.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and soda water until smooth. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
3. Dip each avocado slice into the batter, coating evenly, then carefully place into hot oil (350°F).
4. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
6. In a small bowl, mix Sriracha sauce with a pinch of salt to taste.
7. Serve the crispy tempura avocado slices immediately with a drizzle of the spicy Sriracha mixture.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Tempura
Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Tempura Recipe
Elevate your fall celebrations with this unique twist on traditional tempura: crispy-fried pumpkin rings tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. This addictive snack is perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and soda water to form the tempura batter.
2. Dip pumpkin cubes into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Fry battered pumpkin in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
6. Toss fried pumpkin with the sweet and savory sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tempura Onion Rings with Spicy Ketchup
Elevate your snack game with this addictive recipe that combines the sweetness of onions with the crunch of tempura and a spicy kick. Perfect for parties or movie nights!
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, sliced into rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Ketchup (see below)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add soda water, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip onion rings into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Fry battered onion rings in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels; season with salt.
Spicy Ketchup:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
Mix together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tempura Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich
This recipe brings together the flavors of Japan and New Orleans, combining crispy tempura soft-shell crab with creamy remoulade sauce and crunchy slaw on a toasted baguette.
Ingredients:
– 4 soft-shell crabs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 baguette slices, toasted
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tempura batter by whisking together flour and cornstarch. Slowly add soda water until smooth.
2. Fry soft-shell crabs in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
3. Assemble sandwiches by spreading remoulade sauce on toasted baguette slices, topping with fried soft-shell crab, and finishing with coleslaw.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Eggplant Tempura with Miso Glaze
A twist on traditional tempura, this Japanese-inspired dish combines crispy eggplant fritters with a rich and savory miso glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Miso Glaze (see below)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Miso Glaze:
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake or dry white wine
– 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and soda water.
2. Dip each eggplant slice into the batter, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the battered eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain tempura on paper towels and serve with Miso Glaze.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tempura Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet impressive recipe. Thinly sliced asparagus gets a delicate batter treatment, then fried to a crispy perfection and finished with a burst of citrusy lemon zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
– Optional: soy sauce and sesame seeds for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Gradually add soda water to form a thin batter.
3. Dip asparagus spears into the batter, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry battered asparagus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with lemon zest.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with soy sauce and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Tempura Mozzarella Sticks
Elevate your snacking game with this creative take on mozzarella sticks. By coating them in a crispy tempura batter and serving with melted cheese, you’ll experience a flavor combination that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 oz fresh mozzarella balls
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for dipping
Instructions:
1. Cut the mozzarella into sticks (about 1 inch thick).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
3. Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour mixture, then dip into water, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tempura Banana with Caramel Sauce
Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy tempura banana and rich caramel sauce. This unique dessert is a twist on traditional banana fritters, adding an Asian-inspired flair.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut bananas into 1-inch slices.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
3. Dip each banana slice into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the coated banana slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top and powdered sugar sprinkled if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tempura Lobster Tails with Herb Butter
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent tempura lobster tail recipe, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy herb butter.
Ingredients:
– 12 large lobster tails
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Herb Butter (see below)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Herb Butter:
– 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and soda water to form the tempura batter.
2. Dip each lobster tail into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Fry battered lobster tails in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
5. Serve immediately with Herb Butter spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tempura Cauliflower Bites with Ranch Dressing
Elevate your snack game with this addictive recipe that combines the crunch of tempura batter with the creamy richness of ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick and easy indulgence or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
3. Gradually add soda water to the dry mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating evenly.
5. Fry battered cauliflower in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Tempura Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
Elevate your taco game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines the crunch of tempura fish with the brightness of lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into small pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Lime crema ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup sour cream
+ 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
+ 1 minced garlic clove
+ Salt and pepper to taste
– Taco shells, cilantro, and your favorite toppings
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add soda water until mixture forms a thick batter.
2. Dip fish pieces into the batter, then fry in hot oil (350°F) for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, lime juice, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble tacos by placing tempura fish into shells, topping with lime crema, cilantro, and your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of tempura! This article brings you 18 mouth-watering recipes that will satisfy your cravings. From classic shrimp tempura with dipping sauce to sweet and savory pumpkin tempura, these dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures. Try making spicy crab tempura rolls or panko-crusted chicken tempura for a satisfying meal. For a twist, indulge in tempura avocado slices with sriracha drizzle or cheesy tempura mozzarella sticks. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to spice up your meals, these recipes are sure to please.
