What is shrimp tempura?

• What is it? Shrimp tempura is a classic Japanese dish consisting of shrimp (prawns) that have been battered and deep-fried.

• The Batter: The batter is crucial and typically made with a mixture of ice water, flour (often all-purpose or a special tempura flour), and sometimes egg. The key is to keep the batter very cold and avoid over-mixing it, resulting in a light and crispy coating.

• Preparation: The shrimp are usually butterflied or straightened to prevent them from curling during frying. They're then lightly coated in the batter just before being submerged in hot oil.

• Frying: The shrimp are deep-fried in hot oil (usually around 325-350°F or 160-175°C) until golden brown and crispy. It's important not to overcrowd the fryer.

• Serving: Shrimp tempura is typically served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu. This sauce is usually made from dashi (fish stock), soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and grated daikon radish. It is also commonly served with grated ginger.

• Variations: While shrimp is the most common, other seafood and vegetables can also be prepared tempura-style. These include squid, sweet potato, eggplant, and green beans.

• Popularity: Shrimp tempura is a popular dish both in Japan and internationally, often found in Japanese restaurants and as part of bento boxes.