basic tempura batter recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic tempura batter recipe

I’m so excited to share this basic tempura batter recipe with you. As a busy mom of two, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love.

Tempura is a classic Japanese dish that is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can use it to make all sorts of tasty treats, from crispy shrimp to tender vegetables.

I’ve been making this tempura batter for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids. They love helping me mix up the batter and then watching it transform into a crispy, golden delight.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – this recipe uses cold-pressed oil and is relatively low in calories compared to other fried foods. Plus, the tempura process helps retain the nutrients in the vegetables, making it a guilt-free treat for everyone involved.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can add different seasonings to the batter to give it an extra kick, or use different types of oil to change up the flavor and texture.

And don’t even get me started on the fun factor – my kids love watching the tempura bits dance in the hot oil and then snatching them up with their fingers (much to my chagrin!) But seriously, this recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I know it will be in yours too once you give it a try.

Basic Tempura Batter Recipe

4.8 from 1356 votes

A light and crispy batter perfect for coating vegetables and seafood. This classic Japanese tempura batter recipe is easy to make and yields delicious results.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 100 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup ice-cold water
1 tsp baking powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
2Gradually add the ice-cold water while whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
3Be careful not to overmix.
4The batter should have a thin consistency, similar to heavy cream.
5Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes
6Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot to 350°F.
7Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
8If using a pot, ensure it is stable and has a heavy bottom.
9Add a small amount of batter to the oil to test the temperature.
10If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
11Dip your chosen ingredients such as vegetables or seafood into the tempura batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
12Carefully place them into the hot oil using a slotted spoon.
13Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
14Cook until the batter turns a light golden brown and becomes crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
15Turn the ingredients occasionally for even cooking.
16Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried tempura from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
17Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tempura dipping sauce or tentsuyu.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Deep fryer or deep pot
Slotted spoon
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 100 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0.5g💛Saturated Fat: 0.1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 21g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the batter is ice-cold for a crispier tempura. Do not overmix the batter to maintain its light and fluffy texture.

This basic tempura batter recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I know it will be in yours too once you give it a try. The key to making great tempura is using high-quality ingredients and not overloading the batter with too much water or salt.

To store leftover tempura bits, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to reheat them again. And when reheating, be sure to heat them up slowly over low heat so they don’t burn or become too greasy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Tempura Batter

Q: What is tempura?

Tempura is a Japanese cooking technique where food is lightly battered and then deep-fried in hot oil.

Q: What kind of food can I make with this tempura batter?

You can use this batter to make all sorts of tasty treats, from crispy shrimp to tender vegetables.

Q: Is tempura healthy?

While tempura does involve frying food in oil, using cold-pressed oil and portion control can make it a relatively healthy option compared to other fried foods.

Q: Can I make tempura at home?

Yes! With this basic tempura batter recipe, you can make delicious tempura at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Q: How do I store leftover tempura bits?

To keep leftover tempura bits fresh for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

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