Fish And Seafood Tempura Recipes

AUTHENTIC JAPANESE TEMPURA BATTER (WITH SECRET TIPS!)

Steps:

• Measure out 200ml of water into a jug and place it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. Place sparkling water in the fridge too. (Preferably an unopened bottle.)
• Sift 30g potato starch and 150g cake flour into a bowl. Mix them and place the bowl in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
• While you are waiting for the water and flour to chill, prepare your tempura ingredients by washing, cutting and drying them with a paper towel.
• Once 30 minutes have passed, start preheating your oil to 180C (356F).
• Pour the chilled water and 150ml of chilled sparkling water into a bowl.
• Crack the egg into the bowl and whisk. (If bubbles or foam forms on top, scoop it out with a spoon.)
• Add the flour/starch one third at a time, gently drawing crosses through the mixture with the chopsticks to incorporate it. (Do not whisk or over mix.)
• Test your oil by adding a drop of batter, if it sizzles and floats you're ready to fry.
• Coat your ingredients in a thin layer of flour and then dip them in the batter.
• Carefully place them into the oil and allow to fry until crispy but before they turn golden. (I recommend frying each different ingredient in a batch to ensure even cooking.)
• Once cooked, place on a wire rack to allow the excess oil to drip off.
• Serve and enjoy!

SHRIMP AND VEGETABLE TEMPURA

Steps:

• Refrigerate a large bowl until chilled, about 15 minutes.
• For the dipping sauce (tentsuyu): Bring the Dashi, mirin and soy sauce to a boil in a small saucepan. Set aside until ready to serve, then divide among 4 small bowls. Place the grated daikon in a small dish.
• For the shrimp and vegetables: Assemble the chilled shrimp, green beans, mushrooms, shishitos, sweet potatoes and onions on 2 large plates.
• Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large wok or deep, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 360 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a double layer of paper towels or a wire rack and place near the wok.
• For the batter: When the oil is almost ready, sift the cake flour and potato starch into the chilled bowl. Whisk the water and egg in a small bowl (or in the water measuring cup) until completely combined. Using chopsticks or a large fork, stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture until barely combined and lumps of flour still remain. (Better to undermix than overmix, so err on the side of caution.) The batter should be the thickness of cream; add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water if needed. Mix in the ice cubes.
• Working with several pieces of the shrimp and vegetables at a time, dip them into the batter, then gently lay them in the oil away from you. (It's important not to overcrowd and to maintain the temperature of the oil; adjust the heat, as needed.) Fry, flipping them once or twice, until pale golden brown and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes (some ingredients may take longer than others); transfer to the lined baking sheet. Serve the tempura immediately (ideally, one person will continue frying while the lucky others get to eat the tempura at its best!) with the bowls of dipping sauce and grated daikon on the side for people to stir into the sauce, if they like. Continue with the remaining ingredients, skimming the surface of the oil as needed.
• Combine the kombu and 3 cups cold water in a medium saucepan and let sit for about 30 minutes. (You can skip this step if you're short on time, but it does lend a little extra flavor.)
• Heat the mixture over medium heat until the water comes to a near boil but doesn't actually boil, about 5 minutes. Discard the kombu.
• Add the katsuobushi evenly over the water and bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately remove from the heat. Let steep for about 10 minutes without stirring.
• Pour the dashi through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or quart measuring cup. Do not press down on the katsuobushi, which can make the dashi cloudy or bitter.
• Dashi is best used the day it is made, but it can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

TEMPURA BATTER FOR FISH AND VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Stir together flour, cornstarch and salt.
• Make a well in the center.
• Combine ice water or beer and egg yolk, beating with a fork or whisk until frothy.
• Add all at once to dry ingredients.
• Slowly stir just until moistened; DO NOT over stir,a few lumps should remain.
• Fold in beaten egg whites.
• Use batter immediately.
• Heat oil or shortening to 400°F.
• Add 1 teaspoon salt.
• Dip fish, shrimp or vegetables into batter, swirling to coat.
• Fry a few pieces at a time 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Note: Make sure your vegetables are very very dry so the batter will stick better.