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Fried Tempura Vegetables Recipe

Fried Tempura Vegetables

These Fried Tempura Vegetables are light, crispy, and wonderfully delicate, with tender vegetables tucked inside a golden, airy coating. Made with a simple chilled batter, this Japanese-inspired appetizer comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with a savory dipping sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Tempura Vegetables
  • 1 medium sweet potato peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 small zucchini cut into thin sticks
  • 1 small red bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ small onion cut into wedges
  • ½ cup asparagus trimmed
  • ½ cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
  • 4 cups neutral oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Deep skillet, wok, or Dutch oven
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Chopsticks or whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Prepare the vegetables by washing and thoroughly drying them. Slice the sweet potato, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms, and cut the broccoli into small florets. Keep the pieces fairly thin so they cook quickly.
  2. Make the dipping sauce by combining the vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it cool.
    Fried Tempura Vegetables Recipe
  3. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Slowly add the ice-cold sparkling water and gently stir until just combined. A few small lumps are fine; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and crisp.
    Fried Tempura Vegetables Recipe
  4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or wok to 325–350°F (165–175°C). Pat the vegetables dry again before dipping them into the batter so the coating adheres properly.
  5. Dip the vegetables into the cold batter one at a time, letting the excess drip off. Carefully place them into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
  6. Fry the vegetables in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the coating is pale golden and crisp. Sweet potato slices may need 3 to 4 minutes because they take longer to cook.
  7. Transfer the finished tempura to a wire rack to drain and stay crisp. Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.
    Fried Tempura Vegetables Recipe