Tempura
Tempura is a Japanese style of food preparation in which seafood, vegetables, and sometimes other ingredients are lightly coated in batter and deep-fried.
Tempura is a Japanese cooking technique where seafood and vegetables are lightly battered and deep-fried. It is known for its light, crisp coating and is widely served in Japan and internationally.
What it is
Tempura refers to a dish and method of preparation involving a thin batter and quick deep-frying. It produces a light, crisp coating rather than a heavy crust. Common ingredients include shrimp, squid, eggplant, and mushrooms.
How it's made and served
The batter is typically made from flour, egg, and cold water. Ingredients are fried quickly in hot oil. Tempura is often served with tentsuyu dipping sauce, salt, or lemon, and can be used as a topping for rice bowls (tendon) or noodle dishes (tempura soba or udon).
Where it comes from
Tempura is strongly associated with Japan, but its frying technique is widely traced to Portuguese influence in the 16th century, especially through Nagasaki. It later developed into a popular dish in Edo (now Tokyo) and became a staple of Japanese cuisine.
In short
- Tempura is lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.
- The technique originated from Portuguese influence in 16th-century Japan.
- It is commonly served with tentsuyu dipping sauce or as a topping for rice and noodles.
- Shrimp, squid, eggplant, and pumpkin are typical ingredients.
Tempura is widely available in Japanese restaurants across Canada and is familiar to Canadian diners through sushi bars, noodle shops, and Japanese cuisine more broadly.
Quick questions
What is tempura?
Where did tempura come from?
What is tempura batter made of?
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/tempuraSupports: Definition, Japanese origin, Portuguese influence, 16th-century history, and serving with tentsuyu.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TempuraSupports: General description, ingredients, and 16th-century Portuguese introduction.
- Kikkoman — https://www.kikkoman.com/en/cookbook/glossary/tenpura.htmlSupports: Batter ingredients, common ingredients, tentsuyu, and serving styles.
- Japan Guide — https://www.japan-guide.com/r/e106.htmlSupports: Japanese origin, Portuguese introduction in the 16th century, and common serving contexts.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempuraSupports: Dictionary definition of tempura as seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and fried.