Everyday meals · Japan

Tempura

Name: Tempura
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Japan
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1 cup ice cold water; 1 cup all-purpose flour; Oil for deep-frying (peanut oil is best); Meat, vegetables, or seafood

Tempura is one of the fried foods of Japan. Various meats, fish, and vegetables are dipped in batter and then deep fried until lightly golden.

Published October 16, 2026

EST. TOTAL TIME40 min

DIFFICULTYMedium

SERVESSee recipe

Time and difficulty are editorial estimates; allow extra time for your equipment and experience.

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What you’ll need

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Let’s make it

Step 1
Heat oil in a deep pan to 340–350°F (~171–176°C).
Step 2
Beat the egg in a bowl and add ice cold water. Warmer water will produce a sticky batter and more oily tempura.
Step 3
Add flour and mix lightly. Do not overmix batter—a few lumps actually improve the result, adding crispiness.
Step 4
Dip meat or vegetables briefly in the batter, and fry until brown.
Step 5
Remove from the oil and drain.

Tempura

What you’ll need

Let’s make it

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