Shrimp Tempura: A Delicious Japanese Classic
Shrimp tempura is a Japanese dish that is loved all over the world for its crispy texture and succulent flavor. It’s a popular appetizer or main dish that is often served in Japanese restaurants. But did you know that you can easily make it at home? In this blog post, we’ll be sharing an easy recipe for shrimp tempura that you can try in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Steps
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In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the ice-cold water. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop a small amount of batter into it.
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Dip the shrimp into the batter, making sure they are fully coated. Carefully place them in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Remove the shrimp from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve hot with soy sauce or tempura dipping sauce.
Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Tempura
- Use ice-cold water: This will help create a lighter and crispier batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough and dense batter.
- Fry in small batches: This will ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and the oil stays at the right temperature.
- Drain on paper towels: This will prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy.
Variations
- Vegetable tempura: You can make a vegetarian version of tempura by using vegetables such as sweet potato, green beans, and bell peppers.
- Chicken tempura: Instead of shrimp, you can use chicken breast cut into strips and follow the same recipe.
- Spicy tempura: Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the batter to give it a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free tempura: Substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Shrimp tempura is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that you can enjoy at home. With this easy recipe, you can make crispy and succulent shrimp tempura that will impress your family and friends. Try out this recipe and let us know how it turned out!
FAQ
What is shrimp tempura?
Shrimp tempura is a Japanese dish that consists of battered and deep-fried shrimp. The shrimp is typically coated in a mixture of flour, egg, and water before being deep-fried.
What type of shrimp should I use for tempura?
You should use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for tempura. Look for shrimp that are labeled as “jumbo” or “extra large” for the best results.
Can I use a different type of seafood for tempura?
Yes, you can use other types of seafood for tempura, such as squid or scallops. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of seafood you use.
What type of oil should I use for frying the shrimp?
You should use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, for frying the shrimp.
How hot should the oil be for frying the shrimp?
The oil should be heated to 350-375°F (175-190°C) for frying the shrimp. Use a thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
How long should I fry the shrimp?
You should fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy shrimp.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. However, the batter may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add more water to thin it out before using.
How do I keep the shrimp tempura crispy?
To keep the shrimp tempura crispy, place it on a wire rack after frying to allow any excess oil to drain off. Serve immediately, as the batter may become soggy if it sits for too long.
What dipping sauce should I serve with shrimp tempura?
You can serve shrimp tempura with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or tempura dipping sauce. You can also add grated daikon radish or ginger to the dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Can I reheat leftover shrimp tempura?
Yes, you can reheat leftover shrimp tempura in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Do not use the microwave, as this can make the tempura soggy.
