Vegetable Tempura Delight

Craving a light and crispy dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make? This vegetable tempura isn’t just a snack—it’s a crispy, golden masterpiece that brings the flavors of Japan straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or serving it as an appetizer, it’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Tempura

Imagine biting into a perfectly fried veggie coated in a light, crispy batter, with the natural flavors of the vegetables shining through. This dish is customizable and versatile, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a light meal, the crispy texture paired with fresh vegetables makes for an irresistible combination.

This vegetable tempura is a delicious balance of crispy, golden batter and tender veggies, making it both comforting and indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s quick to make, fun to eat, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup ice-cold water
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• Oil for frying
• Serve with soy sauce or a flavorful tempura dipping sauce.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter:
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring until just combined. The batter should be a little lumpy—avoid overmixing to ensure it stays light and airy.
   
   
2. Heat the Oil:
   In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
   
   
3. Coat the Vegetables:
   Dip each prepared vegetable into the batter, ensuring an even coating. Let any excess batter drip off before frying.
   
   
4. Fry the Tempura:
   Gently lower the battered vegetables into the hot oil in small batches. Fry until golden, crisp, and perfectly crunchy, about 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the tempura and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Serve:
   Arrange the crispy vegetable tempura on a plate and serve immediately with soy sauce or a tempura dipping sauce of your choice.
   
   

Tips for Perfect Vegetable Tempura

• Batter: For extra lightness, use very cold water or even ice cubes in your batter.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, eggplant, or mushrooms.
• Oil: Ensure the oil is hot enough because if it’s too cool, the batter will absorb excess oil and become soggy.

Enjoy the crispy crunch and tender vegetables in this vegetable tempura—it's a simple yet delicious dish that brings the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine right into your home. Perfect for any occasion!