Crispy Vegetable Tempura with Savory Dipping Sauce
A Crispy Delight: Vegan Vegetable Tempura
If you are seeking a light, yet flavorful vegan dish, then Crispy Vegetable Tempura with Savory Dipping Sauce is the perfect treat for your taste buds. This dish marries the delicate crunch of tempura-battered vegetables with a savory dipping sauce that will have you coming back for more. Not only is it a textural delight, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer at a gathering or as a main entrée for a balanced meal.
What Makes Tempura Special?
Tempura is a Japanese cooking technique where foods, typically vegetables or seafood, are coated in a light batter and then deep-fried to golden perfection. The secret to tempura's distinctive texture lies in the batter, made from a mixture of ice-cold water and flour. This creates a beautifully crispy coating without being overly greasy.
A Perfect Vegan Twist
In this vegan version, we use a variety of fresh vegetables to create a rainbow of colors and flavors. The dipping sauce, made from soy sauce and a hint of ginger, complements the tempura perfectly, providing a balanced mix of umami and slight heat. It's an exciting way to enjoy a plate of veggies with a delightful crunch.
Utensils and Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep-frying pan or pot
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt, to taste
- 1 small eggplant, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 6-8 asparagus stalks, trimmed
- Oil, for deep-frying
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, finely chopped