What is tempura batter?

Tempura is a Japanese method of preparing food. Meats, vegetables, and/or seafood are coated and fried in batter until golden. This style of cooking was brought to the Island by Portugese traders about 400 years ago. The recipe is simple:

1 egg or egg yolk or egg whites, beaten

1 cup cold water, about 40 degrees is fine

1 cup flour

A dash or splash of dry white wine, if desired

Beat the egg, then add the water and the flour. Mix until moistened, lumps will remain. Don't let it get sticky or the tempura will be oily. Dip the fish in flour and then the batter. Vegetables (squash, carrots, broccoli, anything you like) can just be dipped in batter directly. Fry in hot oil 2-3 minutes on a side until golden and drain. Don't crowd the pan, do in smaller batches.

Serve with dipping sauce of your choice. Soy sauce with a little mirin or wasabi are traditional in Japan.