Tempura
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Tempura is a classic Japanese dish of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or meat. The batter is made from cold water, flour, and sometimes egg, creating a signature crisp, airy texture. It originated in the 16th century, influenced by Portuguese cooking techniques.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Tempura is generally high in fat and calories due to deep-frying, but it can be a good source of protein if made with shrimp or fish. A typical serving of 3-4 pieces can range from 300 to 500 calories, depending on the ingredients and batter thickness.
💡 What's interesting
The secret to its light, non-greasy texture is using ice-cold water and minimal mixing to prevent gluten development, which keeps the batter from becoming heavy. It's often served with a light dipping sauce called tentsuyu, which balances the richness of the fried food.