The Cookbook/Tempura

Tempura is one of the fried foods of Japan. Various meats, fish, and vegetables are dipped in batter and then deep fried until lightly golden.

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 cup ice cold water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Enough oil to fry food

Procedure

1. Heat cooking oil (peanut oil is best) in a deep pan to 340 - 350° F (~171 - 176°C)
2. Beat the egg in a bowl and add ice cold water (warmer water will produce a sticky batter and more oily tempura).
3. Add flour and mix lightly. Do not overmix batter (a few lumps actually improve the result, adding crispiness).
4. Dip meat or vegetables briefly in the batter and fry until brown.
5. Remove from the oil and drain.
6. Serve hot.

If using shrimp, score them a few times crosswise on the underside, to prevent them from curling up during deep frying. Alternatively, skewer them before cooking. Remove the skewers before serving.

Serve over white rice garnished with black sesame seeds, in a bowl of udon noodle soup, or in a bowl of soba noodle soup. Serving in soup makes the breading get mushy of course.