Tempura - crispy Japanese frying

Tempura is a Japanese frying technique where ingredients are coated in a light batter of flour, egg, and ice-cold water. The key to perfect tempura is minimal mixing and very cold water, which keeps the coating airy and crispy. The most common tempura ingredients are shrimp, sweet potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, and shiso leaves. It is served with tentsuyu sauce, grated daikon, and ginger. Tempura was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century and became an iconic dish of Japanese cuisine.