Experience the delight of crispy and light tempura-coated vegetables and tofu with this Vegan Tempura Batter recipe. Tempura is a popular Japanese dish known for its delicate, airy coating that results in a satisfying crunch. In this vegan version, you can achieve the same wonderful texture and flavor without using animal products. Get ready to create a plate of delicious and perfectly fried vegan tempura that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Vegan Tempura Batter Recipe: Servings: Varies (enough for about 2 cups of vegetables/tofu)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water or soda water
- Ice cubes
For Frying:
- Assorted vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers)
- Tofu, cut into cubes or slices
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Prepare your vegetables by washing, peeling, and slicing them into thin pieces. Drain and pat the tofu dry before cutting it into desired shapes.
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Preheat the Oil:
- Fill a deep pot or skillet with enough vegetable oil for frying. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the Sparkling Water:
- Gradually add the ice-cold sparkling water to the dry ingredients. Gently mix using a fork or chopsticks. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
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Keep It Cold:
- Place ice cubes in a larger bowl and set the bowl with the batter on top. This helps keep the batter cold, resulting in a crispier tempura coating.
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Dip and Fry:
- Dip the vegetables or tofu into the batter, making sure they are coated evenly. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
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Fry the Tempura:
- Carefully place the coated vegetables or tofu into the preheated oil. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Fry until the tempura is golden brown and crispy, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes per batch.
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Drain and Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon or wire rack to transfer the fried tempura to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve Immediately:
- Serve the vegan tempura immediately while it’s still crispy and hot. It’s best enjoyed with a dipping sauce like soy sauce, ponzu, or a vegan alternative.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on batter only, no vegetables/tofu):
- Calories: ~80
- Total Fat: ~0g
- Saturated Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Sugars: ~0g
- Protein: ~2g
- Sodium: ~230mg
