Authentic Tempura Essentials

Called tenpura in Japanese, this iconic dish was originally introduced by Portuguese missionaries in Nagasaki. While it is a staple of high-end specialty restaurants, you can easily master this art in your own kitchen. The secret lies in a light, airy batter—made by dipping fresh seafood or seasonal vegetables into a delicate mix of flour, eggs, and ice-cold water—before frying them to a golden crisp. To get started, follow our step-by-step Japanese tempura recipe.

To achieve that perfect professional crunch, using authentic Japanese cookware like deep frying pots (Agemono-nabe) and stainless steel cooling racks is essential for maintaining precise oil temperature and draining excess oil.