How to Make Vietnamese Fish and Shrimp Tempura
Vietnamese Fish and Shrimp Tempura is a delightful dish that combines the crispy texture of tempura with the fresh flavors of seafood. This recipe is perfect for a quick meal or as an appetizer to impress your guests. Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Vietnamese-inspired tempura.
Ingredients
To make Vietnamese Fish and Shrimp Tempura, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200g white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lettuce leaves for serving
- Fresh herbs (such as mint and cilantro) for garnish
- Dipping sauce (nuoc cham or sweet chili sauce)
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Seafood
Start by cutting the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces. Ensure uniform sizes for even cooking. For the shrimp, make sure they are cleaned and deveined, leaving the tails on for presentation.
2. Make the Tempura Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gradually add the ice-cold water, whisking gently until the batter is smooth. Avoid over-mixing; small lumps are okay. The cold water helps create a light and crispy texture.
3. Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or wok, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the fish and shrimp. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface.
4. Fry the Tempura
Dip the fish pieces and shrimp into the tempura batter, ensuring they are well coated. Carefully drop them into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding to maintain the oil temperature. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve
Arrange the crispy tempura on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by lettuce leaves. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce, like nuoc cham or sweet chili sauce, for a flavor-packed experience.
Tips for Perfect Tempura
- Use very cold water for the batter to achieve extra-crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; this will lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy tempura.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy tempura.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers in your tempura mix.
Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese Fish and Shrimp Tempura as a flavorful dish that showcases the perfect blend of textures and tastes. Whether served as a main course or a snack, this recipe is sure to delight seafood lovers!