At first glance, Japanese tempura looks like a simple fried seafood or vegetable dish. However, this delicious dish, a staple of Japanese cuisine, has an interesting and complicated history. Here’s a brief guide on what tempura is and where it came from.

A Quick Guide to Tempura

Where did tempura come from?

Tempura was introduced to Japan in the 16^th century by the Portuguese, who were originally headed for Macao but were swept off course onto the island of Tanegashima. A Portuguese trading post arose, trading firearms, soap, tobacco, and even recipes. Before leaving Japan in 1639, the Portuguese left the Japanese with a souvenir: a battered and fried green bean recipe, which would evolve into what’s known today as tempura.

The original Portuguese recipe, “peixinhos da horta,” means “little fish of the garden.” The Portuguese would eat “peixinhos da horta” during religious holidays that forbade meat.

How is tempura served today?

The Japanese tweaked the recipe by lightening the batter and changing the fillings to include other vegetables and all types of seafood. Shrimp tempura is the most common variation.

Seafood and vegetable tempura are often eaten alongside noodles or on top of steamed rice. They can also be served in dishes like nabeyaki udon, a hot noodle soup with vegetables. Sauces and condiments served with tempura vary but might include matcha- or wasabi-flavored salt, soy-based dipping sauces, or grated radish. 

How is tempura made?

Traditional tempura batter is simple: egg, well-sifted flour, and ice-cold water. Chilled water with ice cubes helps create crispier tempura, though other ingredients like cornstarch or baking soda can be added for this purpose.

Tempura batter must be fried quickly to maintain a crisp texture and simple flavor. Any seafood or vegetables dipped in the batter must be seasoned and ready for the fryer. Once each ingredient is dipped in the batter, it is deep-fried until golden brown, creating a thin, crispy coating.

Ready to enjoy some delicious shrimp tempura? Ahi and Vegetable in Honolulu, HI, is the best place to go for fresh seafood or your next catered event. With two convenient locations in Ala Moana Shopping Center and the newly-opened Kapalama Shopping Center, Ahi and Vegetable ensures that every customer in Honolulu gets the freshest, most delicious fish available. Call (808) 845-3500 to inquire about their menu, or browse their specials and catering dishes online.