Chicken Tempura
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly light, chicken tempura is a Japanese favorite. This recipe features a delicate, airy batter and tender chicken, perfect for dipping in savory sauces or serving with rice.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Tempura Batter:
- 1 cup tempura flour (or ¾ cup all-purpose flour + ¼ cup cornstarch)
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg yolk (beaten)
For Frying:
- Vegetable, canola, or sesame oil (for deep frying)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
Tentsuyu Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup mirin
- 1 cup dashi (Japanese broth)
Spicy Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Honey Garlic Soy Glaze:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken strips lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Tempura Batter:
- In a bowl, combine tempura flour (or flour + cornstarch) with ice-cold water and beaten egg yolk.
- Stir gently with chopsticks until just combined (a few lumps are okay).
Heat the Oil:
- Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan with oil and heat to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
Coat and Fry the Chicken:
- Dip chicken pieces into the batter, letting excess drip off.
- Fry in small batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain on a wire rack to keep the tempura crispy.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Tentsuyu Sauce: Combine soy sauce, mirin, and dashi in a saucepan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Honey Garlic Soy Glaze: Heat soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a pan until thickened.
Serve:
- Serve chicken tempura hot with dipping sauce, steamed rice, or as part of a bento box.
Notes
- Pro Tip: Keep the batter cold and avoid over-mixing for a light, crispy texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Customization: Use rice flour for a gluten-free version or add panko crumbs for extra crunch.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 400mgSugar: 1g
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