Advertisement

Try our vegetable tempura recipe then check out our tempura prawns, broccoli tempura, tempura squid and more Japanese recipes.


What is tempura?

Tempura is a Japanese dish consisting of deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or other ingredients that are coated in a light, crispy batter. Also called 'fritters' the dish is believed to have been introduced to Japan by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Tempura is known for its delicate and airy texture, which is achieved by using a batter made from a mixture of cold water, flour, and sometimes egg.


Vegetable tempura recipe

Ingredients

  • 250ml soda water, ice cold
  • 150g (or use plain flour) tempura flour
  • for frying groundnut oil
  • 150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 sweet potato, halved lengthways and thinly sliced
  • 1 aubergine, thinly sliced
  • 1 red pepper, cut into squares

ponzu dipping sauce

  • 4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar

Method

  • STEP 1

    Mix the sauce ingredients together. Pour the soda water into a bowl, add the flour and lightly mix until just combined.

  • STEP 2

    Fill a wok or pan a third full with oil and heat. Test the heat by dropping in a piece of bread – if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is hot enough. Dip the vegetables in the batter and drop into the oil in batches.
    Fry until golden, then drain on kitchen paper. Serve with the sauce.

Authors

Janine Ratcliffe Portrait
Janine RatcliffeFood director
Advertisement

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement