Vegetable and Shrimp Tempura (for beginners)
Crispy, lightly battered vegetable and shrimp tempura is a real treat. And easier than you think when you get the hang of it. Use a variety of vegetables or just one and serve as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- vegetables, cut into serving pieces (e.g. pepper, asparagus, zucchini, green beans, broccoli, sweet potato 1/4 inch thick)
- large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined
- vegetable oil
- Tempura batter mix (or make your own -see instructions below)
- about 2 tablespoons of flour, for dredging shrimp
- tempura sauce (buy this or make your own)
Equipment
- bowl filled with two inches of ice and water (large enough to place batter bowl on top)
- tongs
- frying pan (about 10-12 inches) with deep sides
Instructions
- PREPARING THE INGREDIENTS: Make 3-4 slits on the underside of each shrimp without cutting all the way through. This will allow them to lay flat. Prepare all vegetables you are using, laying them on a plate or cutting board with the shrimp. Lightly dredge shrimp in the flour IF you want a slightly thicker coating on the shrimp.
- HEATING THE OIL: The right temperature is very important in this recipe. Heat 2 inches of oil in the frying pan to 350F-360F. If you don't have a thermometer, use one of these tests to ensure the right temperature. 1) put a drop of batter into the hot oil. If it sinks, then floats to the top immediately, sizzling, the oil is ready. 2) put a popcorn kernel in the oil. When the kernel pops, the oil has reached the right temperature.
- MAKING THE BATTER: Mix the tempura batter according to package directions in a bowl that will be able to lie on the ice water bowl. DO NOT mix well. Batter should be lumpy and not thick. Note 1 - to make your own batter. Place the tempura batter bowl on top of the ice and water bowl. The batter must be kept very cold to ensure a crispy coating when frying. If batter is too thin, add a bit more flour.
- FRYING: Start with the vegetables like peppers, beans and sweet potatoes first. One at a time, use tongs (I use my fingers) to dip each piece of vegetable in batter and place in hot oil. Don't crowd the pan. Do only 5-6 pieces at once, depending on the size of the pan. Separate the pieces so they don't stick together. Fry for a few minutes, gently turning once. Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb the oil. Bring oil back to 350-360F. Remove any floating batter from the oil with a slotted spoon. Repeat with asparagus, broccoli or zucchini. These will only need about 2 minutes. Again, allow oil to return to the right temperature, then repeat with the shrimp. You can sprinkle on some extra batter over the shrimp to add an additional lacy layer (this can be messy though!).
- PLATING: Arrange the vegetables and shrimp on a plate (or individual plates) in a nice arrangement and serve with tempura sauce.
Notes
- Make your own tempura batter: Mix 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups cold seltzer/club soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Continue with instructions above.