Tempura (てんぷら or 天麩羅) is one of the most common dishes served in Japan. Many even think that this is typical Japanese food. However, this dish is a classic of Portuguese cuisine, although Japan popularized it worldwide. This gastronomic work was introduced to Japan around the 16th century, in the port city of Nagasaki.
The dish consists of mixed and fried vegetables and seafood, usually served with rice or noodles. The technique of frying food like this was not widely used in Japan. But it soon became a very popular snack in the country. Changes were made from the beginning so that the flavor would be pleasing to the Japanese palate. It was with these changes and adaptations that the dish ended up becoming truly Japanese food.
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History and curiosities of Tempura
As already mentioned, it all started in Nagasaki, a Japanese port city, around the 16th century. At that time, amid a civil war, Japan was isolated from the rest of the world. The only external contact was through merchants and missionaries, mainly Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese.
At first, the dish was expensive, so it did not spread among common people. Only from the Edo period (1603-1867) did the meal become cheaper, becoming very popular among most people. Initially, it was considered just a snack, but over time it became the main dish in many restaurants.
A certain story tells that the first Shogun of the Edo period (Commander of the army) named Tokugawa Leyasu really liked tempura. Even though he was very concerned and careful about his health, he regularly consumed the dish. So much so that one time he ate excessively and ended up passing away.
Even though the veracity of this story is questionable, it is a fact that tempura was a very common and famous dish since the Edo period. Today, tempura is an essential part of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Tempura Recipe
Vegetable Tempura
Remember that the ingredients mentioned are mere suggestions. You can use vegetables of your choice, as well as fish and seafood.
Ingredients (tempura batter)
- 1 cup of wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
Ingredients (tempura filling)
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 1 cup of sliced carrot
- 1 cup of chopped green onion
- 2 cups of chopped cabbage
Preparation method:
Batter:
- 1 – Beat the egg adding the cold water, mixing them slowly;
- 2 – Add the flour and the other ingredients;
- 3 – Stir until the batter is well homogeneous;
Filling:
- 1 – With the batter ready, add the vegetables and mix;
- 2 – Heat a frying pan with oil;
- 3 – With the oil very hot, place small portions in the frying pan and let them brown on both sides;
- 4 – Let fry for approximately 3 to 5 minutes;
- 5 – Remove from the oil and let drain the fat;
I hope you enjoyed the article. Have you had the chance to eat or make tempura? What was your experience? We appreciate all comments and shares. xD
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