Description
This Broccoli Tempura recipe transforms simple broccoli into an irresistible appetizer. Coated in a light, crispy homemade batter and served with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s a crunchy and satisfying dish with Japanese flair.
Ingredients
- 300 grams broccoli (Tenderstem or regular), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Oil for frying (high smoke-point neutral oil like sunflower or canola)
- For the batter:
- 100 grams all-purpose flour
- 30 grams cornstarch or potato starch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 180 ml ice-cold water
- For the dipping sauce:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
- ¼ teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- Rinse the broccoli, shake off excess water, and pat dry. Cut into bite-sized pieces and slice thick stalks into thinner sticks if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder. Set aside 2–3 tablespoons of the flour mixture for dredging.
- Dredge broccoli pieces in the dry flour mixture and set aside. This helps the batter stick better.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 170–180°C (340–355°F). Use a thermometer if possible to maintain temperature.
- Just before frying, add ice-cold water and egg to the remaining flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—do not overmix.
- Dip each floured broccoli piece into the batter, letting excess drip off, and carefully place in the hot oil. Fry in small batches for 2–4 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Repeat until all broccoli is fried.
- For the dipping sauce, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), brown sugar (or honey), and grated ginger in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
- Serve the broccoli tempura warm and crispy with the dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use neutral, high smoke-point oils such as sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil for best results.
- Baking powder in the batter creates a light, airy texture by releasing bubbles during frying.
- Keep the batter cold and avoid overmixing for the crispiest coating.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and ensure even frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 342
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1345mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
