Shrimp Tempura
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Shrimp Tempura is a classic Japanese dish featuring shrimp coated in a light, airy batter and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The batter typically uses ice-cold water, flour, and sometimes egg, creating a delicate, non-greasy texture. It originated in Japan during the 16th century, influenced by Portuguese frying techniques.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Shrimp Tempura is high in protein from the shrimp and moderate in fat from the frying oil, with minimal carbs from the thin batter. A typical serving (about 4-5 pieces) provides around 250-350 calories, along with nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, tempura embodies the Japanese principle of 'shun' (seasonality) and is often served with a light dipping sauce (tentsuyu) to highlight the ingredient's natural flavor. Nutritionally, the quick frying at high heat helps retain the shrimp's nutrients while the thin batter minimizes added calories compared to heavier fried foods.