How to Make Tempura.
This easy-to-make tempura is perfect for frying fish, onion rings, and veggies!
How to Make Tempura
Preheat oil to 375°F.
- 1 cup flour
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 10 oz bottle club soda, chilled
Preheat oil for frying in a small deep fryer. If you’d rather, you can heat it in a heavy-duty pan and use a thermometer. Do not start frying until the oil has preheated or your fried food will become heavy, soggy, and greasy.
Prepare your vegetables or food of choice. If your food is damp, pat it dry with a clean paper towel before dipping it into the tempura. Set aside.
Line a baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels to rest your fried items after they are done frying so excess oil will drain onto the paper towels.
Place the flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a medium-large bowl and whisk until well combined.
Right before you’re ready to begin frying, pour the club soda into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk together just until combined. Don’t over-mix. The batter should be lumpy. Allow the tempura to sit while the oil finishes heating up.
When frying oil reaches 375°F, use tongs to dip and coat your vegetables or food item of choice with the tempura, introduce half of the item to the oil for a few seconds, and then release it into the fryer completely. Repeat this process with a few more items. Don’t crowd the fryer because if you do, things will stick together and cool down your oil too much. Oil that has cooled down too much will make for soggy breading rather than a lovely crunchy coating. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Cook for a few minutes on each side for foods such as vegetables or to the safe serving temperature for items such as fish, pork, or chicken. Use a utensil like a stainless steel deep-frying strainer or slotted spoon that’s safe in hot oil to carefully remove the items from the fryer. The coating should be a beautiful golden brown. Place the fried items on the baking sheet and sprinkle with salt right away. Repeat the process until everything has been fried.