Shrimp Tempura
Shrimp Tempura is a popular Japanese dish known for its light and crispy batter surrounding succulent shrimp.
Originating from Japan, tempura is a cooking technique where ingredients are lightly battered and deep-fried until they achieve a delicate, golden crispiness.
Shrimp Tempura, in particular, highlights the contrast between the tender texture of the shrimp and the crispy exterior of the batter.
Served with a dipping sauce and often accompanied by rice and vegetables, Shrimp Tempura makes for a delightful meal or appetizer. This recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve perfectly crispy and delicious Shrimp Tempura at home.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Tempura, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on if desired)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- Oil for deep-frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Tempura Dipping Sauce (Tentsuyu):
- 1/2 cup dashi stock (or substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Optional garnish: grated daikon radish and grated ginger
How to Make Shrimp Tempura
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Peel and Devein: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact if desired. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice-cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with chopsticks or a whisk until just combined. The batter should be thin and lumpy; do not overmix.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat Oil: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (180°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp
Coat Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat evenly but lightly.
Fry Shrimp: Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil, one by one. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Tempura Dipping Sauce (Tentsuyu)
Prepare Tentsuyu Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Optionally, serve with grated daikon radish and grated ginger on the side.
Step 6: Serve the Shrimp Tempura
Plate and Garnish: Arrange the Shrimp Tempura on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the Tempura Dipping Sauce (Tentsuyu) on the side for dipping.
Chef’s Note
Temperature Control: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (180°C) throughout frying. This ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and evenly while maintaining a crispy texture.
Batter Consistency: The key to a light and crispy tempura batter is using ice-cold water and mixing the batter just until combined. Lumps in the batter are desirable and contribute to the crispiness.
Serve Immediately: Shrimp Tempura is best enjoyed immediately after frying while it is still hot and crispy. Reheating may result in loss of texture.
Nutrition Value
The nutritional values for Shrimp Tempura can vary based on the specific ingredients and amount of oil absorbed during frying. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 1-2g
- Cholesterol: 150-200mg
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
- Vitamin A: 2-4% DV
- Vitamin C: 2-4% DV
- Calcium: 2-4% DV
- Iron: 8-10% DV
Conclusion
Shrimp Tempura is a delightful Japanese dish that showcases the art of deep-frying with a light and crispy batter.
This recipe allows you to recreate this beloved dish at home, perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or as part of a Japanese-themed meal. With its crispy texture and succulent shrimp, Shrimp Tempura is sure to impress your family and friends.
Follow the steps carefully to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and enjoy the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine in the comfort of your home. Happy cooking!
Thanks for visiting Shrimps Recipes