Crispy Vegan Vegetable Tempura
Experience the crunch and delight of Crispy Vegan Vegetable Tempura, a delectable egg-free batter that perfectly encapsulates your favorite seasonal vegetables. Whether you choose vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, crisp green beans, or succulent onions, this easy-to-follow recipe results in a golden, crispy coating that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Serve these tasty tempura bites with a variety of dipping sauces like soy sauce, sweet chili, or sesame dip for an unforgettable appetizer or snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soda water (or beer)
1 cup (Chilled)
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup (Sifted)
Rice flour
1/4 cup (Sifted)
Baking powder
1/2 tablespoon (Sifted)
Cornstarch
1/4 cup (Sifted)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 tablespoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures a light and airy batter.
2
Add the cayenne and mix well. Gradually pour in 1 cup of soda water (or beer) while whisking to combine, creating a smooth batter. Adjust the thickness with additional soda water if necessary.
3
Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes to enhance the texture.
4
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the hot oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
5
While the oil is heating, prepare your vegetables by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Ideally, the veggies should be uniform in size for even cooking.
6
Dip each piece of vegetable into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before carefully placing it in the hot oil.
7
Fry the vegetables in batches, without overcrowding the pan, for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
8
Once cooked, remove the tempura from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Vegan Vegetable Tempura?
It is a Japanese-inspired dish consisting of seasonal vegetables coated in a light, egg-free batter and fried until golden and crispy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses no eggs or dairy products.
What vegetables can I use for tempura?
You can use a variety of seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, green beans, and onions.
Why is rice flour used in the batter?
Rice flour is used to create a lighter, crispier texture that is less likely to become soggy compared to using only all-purpose flour.
Can I use beer instead of soda water?
Yes, chilled beer can be used as a substitute for soda water to provide a similar carbonation effect and a unique flavor profile.
Why must the soda water or beer be chilled?
Chilled liquid helps prevent the development of gluten in the flour, which ensures the batter remains light and crispy rather than bread-like.
How long should the batter rest?
The batter should rest for about 10 minutes to allow the ingredients to hydrate and enhance the final texture.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying tempura?
The oil should be heated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying.
How can I tell if the oil is ready without a thermometer?
Drop a small amount of batter into the hot oil; if it sizzles and immediately rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Why is cornstarch included in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps to absorb moisture and prevents the formation of gluten, resulting in a crunchier coating.
How do I ensure the vegetables cook evenly?
Cut the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they all finish cooking at the same time.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, and cornstarch ensures a smooth, airy batter without lumps.
How long does it take to fry the tempura?
The vegetables typically take 3 to 5 minutes to become golden brown and crispy.
What should I do if the batter is too thick?
If the batter is too thick, you can gradually add a little more soda water while whisking until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Is the tempura spicy?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which adds a very mild warmth without making it overly spicy.
What are the best dipping sauces for vegan tempura?
Popular choices include soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a sesame-based dip.
How do I prevent the tempura from being greasy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, drain the cooked pieces on paper towels, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While the recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can attempt a gluten-free version by using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend in its place.
Why do I need to drain the tempura on paper towels?
Draining on paper towels removes excess oil, keeping the coating light and preventing it from becoming heavy or oily.
Should I dip the vegetables entirely in the batter?
Yes, dip each piece fully but allow any excess batter to drip off before placing it in the oil to avoid clumps.
Can I fry all the vegetables at once?
No, you should fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy tempura.
Does the batter contain eggs?
No, this is an egg-free batter that uses carbonated water and baking powder for lift and crispness.
What purpose does baking powder serve?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, creating tiny air bubbles that make the batter light and puffy.
How should tempura be served?
Tempura is best served immediately while it is still hot and at its peak crispiness.
Can I use this batter for fruit?
While designed for vegetables, this crispy batter can be used for various items, though the cayenne pepper may need to be omitted for sweet fruits.
How many ingredients are in the batter?
The batter consists of seven main ingredients: soda water, all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, there are no milk or butter products used in this recipe.
What type of oil is best for frying tempura?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, are best for frying at 375°F.
How do I get the golden brown color?
The combination of the flours and the frying time of 3-5 minutes results in a naturally golden, appetizing appearance.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size depends on the amount of vegetables used, but the batter quantity is generally sufficient for a large appetizer portion for several people.