The Quintessential Japanese Fried Dish: Tempura

One of Japan's beloved cuisines, "tempura," has a rich history, unique preparation methods, and secrets to its deliciousness. Let's explore the world of tempura.

The origins of "tempura" can be traced back to the 17th century, with a prevailing theory suggesting its introduction from Portugal. Over time, it evolved in Japan as foreign influences were integrated, leading to the creation of flavors and styles that Japanese people would come to adore.

Tempura starts with ingredients cut into bite-sized pieces and thoroughly dried. Next, they are dipped in a batter made from eggs, water, and wheat flour, and then deep-fried in oil. To prevent excess oil from clinging to the tempura, it is often placed on a mesh or paper towels after frying.

The highlight of tempura is undoubtedly its batter. Ingredients coated in this batter become steamed within the high-temperature oil, sealing in their flavors. Achieving the ideal texture for tempura requires precise control of oil temperature and knowledge of the specific frying times for different ingredients. Creating light and crispy tempura demands skill and expertise.

In essence, almost any ingredient can be turned into tempura as long as it can be deep-fried. Popular choices include shrimp, whitefish, and pumpkin. "Kakiage," a medley of ingredients such as squid, onions, and carrots, is another favorite known for its generous portions.

Tempura is typically served with a dipping sauce called "tsuyu," which is either soy-based with a hint of sweetness or a simple salt-based sauce. There are no strict rules, so you can choose the dipping sauce that suits your preference or complements the tempura ingredients. Tempura is at its best when freshly cooked, so it's advisable to enjoy it promptly after it's served.

Tempura is featured in various other dishes. "Tendon" is a popular option where tempura is served over rice and drizzled with a flavorful sauce. "Tempura soba" and "tempura udon" are dishes where tempura is served alongside buckwheat or wheat noodles, appealing to a wide range of tastes. For those seeking something unconventional, there's tempura ice cream—a unique dessert where ice cream is coated in batter and quickly fried, resulting in a hot, crispy exterior and a cold ice cream interior—an intriguing culinary experience.