Tempura batter is traditionally mixed in small batches using chopsticks for only a few seconds, leaving lumps in the mixture that, along with the cold batter temperature, result in a unique fluffy and crisp tempura structure when cooked. The batter is often kept cold by adding ice or by placing the bowl inside a larger bowl with ice in it. Over-mixing the batter will result in the activation of wheat gluten, which causes the flour mixture to become soft and dough-like when fried.
Specially formulated tempura flour is available in worldwide supermarkets. This is generally light (low-gluten) flour and occasionally contains leaveners such as baking powder. Tempura generally does not use breadcrumbs (panko) in the coating.
Thin slices or strips of vegetables or seafood are dipped in the batter, then briefly deep-fried in hot oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil are the most common; however, tempura is traditionally cooked using sesame oil. Many specialty shops still use sesame oil or tea seed oil, and it is thought certain compounds in these oils help to produce light, crispier batter.
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) package water-packed extra-firm tofu, drained12 cups peanut oil
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari
1 ½ teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 pound baby carrots with green tops
4 ½ ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
6 ¾ ounces rice flour (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups club soda, chilled
12 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed
Directions
1. Place tofu on several layers of paper towels; cover with paper towels. Top with a heavy skillet; let stand for 30 minutes. Discard paper towels. Cut tofu in half horizontally; cut blocks into 16 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. Cut slices in half, crosswise, to form 32 (1 x 1/2–inch) rectangles.
2. Clip a candy/fry thermometer onto the side of a large skillet; add oil to pan. Heat oil to 385°. Combine vinegar and the next 3 ingredients (through ginger). Trim carrot tops to 1 inch; peel carrots.
3. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring well with a whisk. Gradually add club soda, stirring until smooth. Using a slotted spoon, dip the tofu in the batter. Place tofu in hot oil, and fry for 1 minute or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove tofu, and drain.
3. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring well with a whisk. Gradually add club soda, stirring until smooth. Using a slotted spoon, dip the tofu in the batter. Place tofu in hot oil, and fry for 1 minute or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove tofu, and drain.
4. Return oil temperature to 385°. Using a slotted spoon, dip carrots in batter. Place carrots in oil; fry for 2 minutes or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove carrots; drain. Return oil temperature to 385°.
5. Using a slotted spoon, dip peas in batter. Place peas in oil; fry for 1 minute or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove peas, and drain. Serve tofu and vegetables with tamari mixture.
Resources
1. Wikipedia, Tempura2. Cooking Light, Tempura Tofu and Spring Vegetables