Easy Homemade Tempura Asparagus Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Oct 25, 2023 • 2 min read
Tempura asparagus consists of asparagus coated in a batter of flour, eggs, and other ingredients and then cooked in hot oil until the asparagus develops a crunchy exterior.
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What Is Tempura Asparagus?
Tempura asparagus is a deep-fried and crispy asparagus recipe that can you can serve as an appetizer, side dish, or as an alternative to beer-battered asparagus.
At their most basic, tempura recipes involve combining all-purpose flour, eggs, cornstarch, and cold water to make a tempura batter that you apply to fresh asparagus stalks. Then you cook the asparagus in boiling oil to give your veggies the same consistency as golden-brown onion rings. You can also use club soda, lemon zest, garlic powder, baking soda, and plenty of other ingredients to alter the flavor of your fried asparagus.
6 Foods to Serve With Tempura Asparagus
Tempura asparagus is almost always part of a bigger meal or paired with other side dishes. Here are seven items that you can serve with the crunchy veggie appetizer:
- 1. Artichokes: Artichokes include nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. They’re similar to asparagus but still different enough to add variety.
- 2. Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled parmesan or goat cheese over your tempura asparagus to add smooth dairy flavor.
- 3. Green beans: Green beans are low in carbohydrates, can lower your cholesterol, and complement tempura asparagus.
- 4. Scallions: Chopped scallions will heighten the savory taste of your tempura asparagus. Keep them on the side or powder the tops of your crunchy asparagus stalks with them.
- 5. Soy sauce: Tempura asparagus is commonly served with a dipping sauce. Good options beyond soy sauce include aioli, mirin sauce, or creamy ranch dressing.
- 6. Sweet potatoes: Soft sweet potatoes complement not only the crunchy texture of tempura asparagus but also the salty, savory flavors.
Tempura Asparagus Recipe
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
40 mincook time
30 minIngredients
- 1
Combine the flour, baking powder, eggs, cornstarch, seasonings, club soda, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together to make a tempura batter.
- 2
Determine what type of cooking oil you’d like to use—canola oil, sesame oil, and vegetable oil are all good choices (avoid olive oil). Pour five cups of oil into a large wok or saucepan and turn on the heat. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 3
Roll the asparagus spears in the tempura batter. Once they’re coated, add them to the hot oil in manageable quantities and begin to deep-fry them. Remove each batch after about 5 minutes in the fryer and place them on a baking sheet.
- 4
Coat the asparagus tempura with any extra seasonings while they’re still damp with oil. When they’re cool enough to handle, pat down the spears with paper towels.
- 5
Pour soy sauce into a small bowl and serve alongside the tempura asparagus as a dipping sauce.
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