What Is Tempura? How to Make It, Serve It & Enjoy It
Tempura (天ぷら) is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables dipped in a light, cold-water batter and quickly deep-fried until crisp and golden. Originally introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, it is defined by its exceptionally thin, airy coating — achieved by mixing the batter minimally and keeping it ice-cold. The most common varieties are shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura, and fish tempura, all served with a light dipping sauce called tentsuyu.
Ready to make it at home? 👉 Browse tempura recipes on Cookpad
Whether you’re wondering “what is tempura?” or you’re looking to make your own shrimp or vegetable tempura at home, this guide covers all the essentials, from tempura batter to dipping sauces and modern twists.
What Is in Tempura Batter?
Simple Ingredients, Crispy Results
A classic tempura batter is made from three basic ingredients:
- Cold water
- All-purpose flour
- Egg
The key is minimal mixing to avoid activating the gluten, resulting in a light, airy texture rather than a chewy coating.
Some recipes include:
- Cornstarch or rice flour for extra crispness
- Sparkling water or ice cubes to keep the batter cold
- Baking soda or vinegar for a fluffier finish
If you’re wondering
how to prepare tempura batter
, the answer is: keep it cold, mix it lightly, and use it immediately.
Is Tempura Gluten-Free?
Traditional tempura batter is not gluten-free, as it usually contains wheat flour. However, gluten-free alternatives are easy to make by using:
- Rice flour
- Cornstarch
- Gluten-free all-purpose blends
Just be sure to check the ingredients of the tempura sauce as well, since soy sauce often contains wheat.
Popular Types of Tempura
Shrimp Tempura
What is shrimp tempura? It’s the most popular variety—juicy prawns dipped in batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Often served with dipping sauce and rice, it’s a favorite in Japanese restaurants and bento boxes alike.
Vegetable Tempura
Crisp, seasonal veggies like:
Vegetable tempura is colorful, nutritious, and just as satisfying as its seafood counterpart.
Chicken Tempura
Less common but equally tasty, chicken tempura features thin slices of chicken breast battered and fried. It’s a great option for those who prefer poultry over seafood.
Tempura Ice Cream
Yes, tempura can even be sweet! Tempura ice cream involves scoops of frozen dessert coated in batter and quickly deep-fried—crispy on the outside, creamy inside.
Tempura Sauce and How to Serve It
Tempura is typically served with tentsuyu, a dipping sauce made from:
- Dashi (Japanese broth)
- Soy sauce
- Mirin or rice wine
Some people enjoy dipping tempura in flavored salt, matcha salt, or spicy mayo. It’s often served alongside grated daikon radish, lemon, or shredded cabbage for freshness.
Tips for Making Perfect Tempura at Home
- Use ice-cold batter and fry in small batches.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot—this keeps the oil temperature consistent.
- Drain fried pieces on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch!
FAQs About Tempura
What’s tempura?
Tempura is a Japanese dish made by deep-frying ingredients in a light batter.
What’s in tempura?
It typically includes seafood or vegetables, coated in a cold flour-egg batter and deep-fried.
What is shrimp tempura?
A type of tempura made with prawns or shrimp, often served with dipping sauce.
How do you prepare tempura batter?
Mix cold water, flour, and egg lightly to create a smooth but airy coating.
Tempura is more than just deep-fried food—it’s a delicate balance of texture, temperature, and timing. From shrimp tempura to sweet potato tempura and even tempura ice cream, this Japanese favorite is endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making it gluten-free, experimenting with chicken tempura, or just learning how to make tempura batter, you’ll find it’s a delicious and rewarding dish to master.
Find your favorite tempura recipe on Cookpad!
