Whether you’ve been eating Japanese cuisine all your life or are considering trying it for the first time, tempura is a classic dish to enjoy. With a light, flaky crust and variety of options for fillings, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Here’s a rundown on what tempura is, where it came from, and how chefs make it.

What Is Tempura?

What Is It?

Tempura is a dish that consists of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. Although it’s traditionally a Japanese cuisine, it was likely influenced by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century. According to a popular theory, missionaries and merchants taught the Japanese how to fry using oil, which wasn’t a common practice at the time. Portuguese Catholics originally developed the dish to replace meat during periods of abstinence and fasting, but over time it became a popular food choice for any occasion.

How Is It Prepared?

To prepare tempura, a chef mixes water, salt, and flour. Eggs are typically included in the batter but can be omitted to create a vegan option. Some cooks may choose to use carbonated water because the bubbles promote airiness, but no matter what type of water is used, it must be chilled. Using cold water prevents gluten from developing, which keeps the coating thin and light and inhibits a doughy texture. In traditional recipes, no breadcrumbs — panko or otherwise — are used. 

Seafood or vegetables are dipped into the completed batter and lowered into the chef’s oil of choice, which is often sesame oil or an original blend. The oil is hot and creates a crispy coating within a couple of minutes. When it’s finished frying, the tempura can be coated in a layer of rice to form a tempura roll, which is commonly served at restaurants that offer Japanese cuisine.

If you’re searching for delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine with Okinawan style, visit Teruya's Andagi in Honolulu, HI. Since 1987, their family-owned business has been proudly serving tempura, mochi balls, bento, and one-of-a-kind andagi to locals and tourists alike. All of their food items are made from scratch, using original family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Call (808) 389-1714 to place an order, or visit them online to browse their menu.