Vegetable Tempura
Experience the delicate, airy crunch of restaurant-quality vegetable tempura made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- •1 cup all-purpose flour
- •1/2 cup cornstarch
- •1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
- •1 large egg, lightly beaten
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •2 cups assorted vegetables (sweet potato, broccoli florets, bell peppers, zucchini), sliced into uniform pieces
- •4 cups neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable) for frying
- •Dipping sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables by washing, peeling where necessary, and slicing them into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- 2
Heat the oil in a deep pot or wok to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
- 3
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Add the egg and ice-cold sparkling water, whisking only until just combined; it is perfectly fine if the batter remains slightly lumpy.
- 4
Working in small batches, dip the vegetables into the batter, shaking off any excess.
- 5
Carefully drop the battered vegetables into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will drop the oil temperature and result in greasy tempura.
- 6
Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping once, until the batter is pale gold and crispy.
- 7
Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- 8
Whisk the dipping sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and serve immediately while the tempura is hot and crunchy.
💡 Chef tips
- The secret to crispy tempura is temperature; ensure your water is ice-cold and do not overmix the batter, as this develops gluten and makes the coating tough.
- Test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, it is ready.
- Leftover tempura can be reheated in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain its crunch, though it is best enjoyed fresh.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished tempura should have a light, golden-lace coating that shatters upon biting, revealing tender, perfectly cooked vegetables inside with a savory, umami-rich dipping sauce.