| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 510 | 27g | 4g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 6g | 10g | 1.2g |
Every now and again, an unexpected recipe completely captivates me, and that’s precisely what happened with the “Vegetarian Kai-lan Tempura.” Now, I know my culinary territory tends to be closer to New York style bagels and substantial burgers, but remember, NYC is a cultural mosaic, and thereby its gastronomy reflects the tastes from every corner of the world. This dish, a delightful vegetable tempura featuring the nutrient-rich Kai-lan, or Chinese broccoli, catapulted me from the busy city to the serene landscapes of East Asia. You can view this mouthwatering dish in all its glory right here Vegetarian Kai-lan Tempura.
A Symphony of Flavours and Textures
The Vegetarian Kai-lan Tempura holds so much appeal because it harmonizes crispiness, tenderness, and dip-worthy savoriness. It’s reminiscent of fun carnival food with an Asian twist, yet maintains sophistication. It reminds me of tempura veggies I’ve had at certain sushi joints, and it would pair beautifully with a variety of sushi rolls or a hearty bowl of ramen.
Doing Good for Your Body, and Your Taste Buds
Aside from the addictive taste, this recipe utilizes a variety of fruits, which imparts a satisfyingly sweet contrast against the savory tempura and dipping sauce. Moreover, these fruits, being rich sources of essential vitamins and antioxidants, offer an impressive health boost. And then there’s the key player: Kai-lan. This leafy green is a storehouse of valuable nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron. It’s heart-healthy and an excellent addition to any diet, particularly for those following a vegetarian lifestyle.
Cooking with Love and Respect for Ingredients
Perusing through my recipe book, the joy of cooking comes not only from mixing ingredients to create something delicious but also from the respect and love I have for each component. Using fresh Kai-lan is a testament to this ethos, as it allows for the expression of its mild, yet distinct flavors. But it’s the artful combination of Asian ingredients, familiar fruits, and a tempura batter calling for both precision and care in its preparation that sets this dish apart.
I encourage you to try your hand at whipping up this delightful Vegetarian Kai-lan Tempura. Consider pairing it with your favorite sushi or a big bowl of soba noodles, as they complement the tempura splendidly. Feel free to explore other dipping sauce options too, like a tangy Ponzu sauce or even a little soy sauce mixed with wasabi. No matter how you serve it, the important point is to enjoy the process. And remember, in the kitchen, as on the stage, passion and enthusiasm deliver the best performances.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of Kai-lan (Chinese broccoli)
- 1 cup of All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups of cold water
- 1 tsp of Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of Salt
- 1 Ice cube
- 4 cups of Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- 1.5 cups of Tempura dipping sauce
- 1 Medium sized apple, thinly sliced
- 1 Medium sized pear, thinly sliced
- 1 Orange, thinly sliced
- 2 Bananas, sliced into rounds
Method
Step One
Begin with cleaning the Kai-lan thoroughly under running water, removing any dirt or debris. After cleaning, cut the Kai-lan into manageable pieces and set them aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Pour the cold water into the mix while gently stirring. Ensure you stir until the batter is smooth. For the best results, add an ice cube to the batter to keep it cool and set aside for a while.
Step Three
Prepare your fruits by washing them and slicing them into thin slices. Make sure to avoid any seeds when slicing fruits like apples and oranges. Once sliced, lay them out on a serving platter.
Step Four
Start heating the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or deep pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and float to the top.
Step Five
Dip the Kai-lan pieces in the batter ensuring they are fully coated, then carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry them until they become crispy and golden brown, which would take about 2-3 minutes.
Step Six
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried Kai-lan from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Step Seven
Once all the Kai-lan is fried, arrange them on the serving platter with the sliced fruits. Serve immediately with a side of tempura dipping sauce for the perfect combination of flavors.
