Try your hand at making kakiage tempura fritters
Try your hand at making kakiage tempura fritters
Introduction
Welcome to our recipe for delicious kakiage tempura fritters! Kakiage is a type of tempura that features a variety of thinly sliced vegetables and sometimes seafood, all held together in a light and crispy batter. It’s a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, perfect as an appetizer or a side dish. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions for making this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
For making kakiage tempura fritters, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ice cold water
- 1 egg
- Assorted vegetables (carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, etc.)
- Optional: shrimp, squid, or other seafood
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Salt to taste
- Tempura dipping sauce (tsuyu) for serving
Directions
Follow these steps to prepare and cook your kakiage tempura fritters:
- Start by preparing your vegetables and seafood. Thinly slice the vegetables into matchstick-sized pieces or use a mandoline for uniform cuts. If using seafood, ensure it is cleaned and pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and egg. Gradually add the ice-cold water while gently mixing until the batter is just combined. It’s okay if there are lumps in the batter.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to about 340-360°F (170-180°C).
- Dip a handful of the sliced vegetables and/or seafood into the batter, lightly coating them, and carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for around 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Once golden brown, remove the kakiage from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with a pinch of salt while they are still hot.
- Repeat the process with the remaining vegetables and seafood, ensuring the oil temperature is maintained for crispy results.
- Serve the kakiage tempura fritters hot with a side of tempura dipping sauce (tsuyu) for a delightful flavor experience.
FAQ about Kakiage Tempura Fritters
What are kakiage tempura fritters?
Kakiage tempura fritters are a popular Japanese dish made by deep-frying a mixture of assorted vegetables and seafood in a light, crispy batter. The ingredients are thinly sliced and intertwined to form a delicate and lacy fritter.
How are kakiage tempura fritters different from regular tempura?
Kakiage tempura fritters are distinct from regular tempura as they consist of a mixture of ingredients, whereas traditional tempura features individual pieces of food dipped in batter before frying.
What vegetables and seafood can be used in kakiage tempura?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as onions, carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. Seafood like shrimp, squid, and scallops can also be included. The key is to slice them thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
What is the key to making crispy kakiage tempura fritters?
To ensure a crispy texture, it’s important to use ice-cold water and refrain from overmixing the batter. Additionally, maintaining the oil at the correct temperature (around 340-360°F or 170-180°C) during frying is crucial.
