Perfectly light, airy, and irresistibly crispy, the '1 1 1 Tempura Batter' recipe is a game-changer for home cooks seeking authentic tempura. This foolproof recipe, named for its easy-to-remember 1:1:1 ratio of all-purpose flour, cold water, and a single egg, ensures a batter that clings delicately to your favorite vegetables or seafood. The real secret lies in maintaining a cold batter—boosted by optional ice cubes—to achieve that signature crunch without excess grease. Ready in just 5 minutes, this quick-and-easy tempura batter creates golden, restaurant-quality results every time. Ideal for frying shrimp, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and more, this versatile recipe is perfect for appetizers, snacks, or an elegant meal centerpiece. Serve hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience. Keywords: tempura batter, crispy tempura recipe, authentic tempura, easy 1 1 1 tempura, homemade tempura batter.
In a medium mixing bowl, crack 1 large egg and gently beat it with a fork until the yolk and white are combined.
Add 1 cup of cold water to the egg. For best results, use ice-cold water to help maintain the batter's crispiness during frying.
Optional: Toss 2 small ice cubes into the egg-water mixture to ensure the batter stays cold while you mix it.
Using a fine-mesh sieve, sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour directly into the egg and water mixture.
Gently mix the batter with chopsticks or a fork. Do not over-mix; it is okay if the batter remains slightly lumpy. Over-mixing can develop gluten, which will make the tempura coating heavier.
Set the completed batter aside in a bowl over ice if not using immediately, as it must stay cold for optimal texture.
To use, dip ingredients like vegetables (e.g., zucchini, carrots, sweet potato) or seafood (e.g., shrimp, calamari) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Deep-fry the coated ingredients in oil preheated to 350°F (175°C) until golden and crispy. Typically, this will take 3–5 minutes depending on the ingredient thickness.
Remove the fried items using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately with dipping sauce of choice.
Calories |
509 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.9 g | 8% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 82 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.9 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 18.7 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 54 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 198 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.