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crispy tempura batter recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Varies (depends on items fried)
- Diet: General
Description
This recipe provides a simple method for creating a light and airy tempura batter that yields perfectly crispy fried delights, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- 0.5 tsp (2 g) fine sea salt
- 1 large egg yolk, very cold
- 1 cup (240 mL) very cold ice water (or sparkling water)
- 4–6 cups (960–1440 mL) neutral oil for frying (rice bran, canola, or grapeseed oil)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and cut chosen vegetables (e.g., sweet potato rounds, green beans) into even, bite-sized pieces. Pat any seafood (e.g., shrimp) completely dry with paper towels; set aside. Have frying oil ready.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large, wide bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine sea salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as lumps contribute to a light batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, gently whisk the very cold large egg yolk with the very cold ice water until just mixed.
- Gently Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir very briefly with chopsticks or a fork using only a few quick strokes, until just combined and still lumpy. Do not overmix to avoid a tough batter.
- Heat Oil: Heat neutral vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 175-190 degrees C (350-375 degrees F). Use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.
- Dip and Fry: Working in small batches (3-4 pieces at a time), gently dip each prepared item into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until perfectly golden brown and visibly crispy. Maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Using a spider or slotted spoon, remove the tempura pieces from the oil. Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor. Serve hot.
Notes
For gluten-free tempura, swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Use organic vegetables and responsibly sourced seafood for a healthier dish. Frozen shrimp (thawed and patted dry) is a budget-friendly protein option. Ice water is crucial for a super crispy batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 50 g prepared tempura)
- Calories: 250 calories
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg