Tempura seems to be one of those meals everyone does differently and every time at least I make it, its different.

A batter of flour and water with or without egg.

The type of oil and oil temprature

and of course the things you are frying. So you can go a bit wild.

You will need to deep fry and be able to control the oil temperature at all times! In japan we are lucky to have an induction hob that you can set your temperature making this easy. I dont recommend winging it! too low a temperature the food absorbs too much oil, to high it will crisp outside but nook cook it on the inside!

The coating or bater, must be cold at all times, make it just before using it! if you leave it for a while or let it reach room temperature or even mix it too much it apparently activates the flour and will ruin the authentic tempura.

Also if using sweet potato which is a classic here, they must be sliced and soaked for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking to remove excess potato starch.

The recipe:

Bater:

1 part flour to 1 part cold water. (I also use one whisked egg, mix the whisked egg with the water prior to adding to the flour)

Salt and pepper.

Method

Put the flour in a pasta bowel, something flat but with an edge to keep it all in. Add some salt and pepper to season, then add your water/egg mixture. mix in a figure of eight movement with a chopstick(I know right) for one minute only. It will be lumpy, this is what you want… for some reason.

Fillings:

Do your root vegetables first they take the longest. You want a lower temperature for these 160-170, dont overcrowd the pot, do batches. Every time you put one in it will lower the temperature of the oil. Its gonna take between 2-4 mins per side depending on the thickness of the slice.

Then your normal vegetables you want between 180-190 degrees, and only a minute or so on each side.

Some classics are sweet potatoes, pumpkin, lotus root, shiso leaves and oyster mushrooms sliced.

Serve with some steamed rice and miso soup, maybe some dipping sauce and you’ve got a great meal.