What to Serve with Shrimp Tempura: 10 Tasty Side Dishes

Shrimp Tempura: A Delicious and Versatile Dish

Shrimp tempura is a popular Japanese dish made of shrimp that have been lightly battered and deep-fried. It is often served as an appetizer or main course, and it can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces.

Tempura is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Some popular accompaniments include rice, salad, and vegetables. However, you can also get creative and try something different, such as serving tempura with noodles, soup, or even pizza!

In this article, we will discuss the different ways to eat shrimp tempura, as well as some of the best side dishes to serve with it. We will also provide tips on how to make your own tempura at home.

So whether you are a seasoned tempura eater or you are new to this delicious dish, read on for all the information you need to know!

| Food | Pairing | Description |
|—|—|—|
| Shrimp Tempura | Soy Sauce | Sweet and salty sauce that complements the light and crispy shrimp. |
| Shrimp Tempura | Wasabi | Spicy horseradish that adds a kick to the dish. |
| Shrimp Tempura | Ginger | Fresh ginger adds a refreshing flavor to the shrimp. |
| Shrimp Tempura | Ponzu Sauce | Citrusy sauce that brightens up the dish. |
| Shrimp Tempura | Tartar Sauce | Creamy sauce that adds richness to the dish. |
| Shrimp Tempura | Edamame | Steamed soybeans that add a crunchy texture to the dish. |
| Shrimp Tempura | Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers add a cool and refreshing contrast to the dish. |
| Shrimp Tempura | Rice | White rice is a classic side dish for shrimp tempura. |

What is Shrimp Tempura?

Shrimp tempura is a Japanese dish made of shrimp that have been lightly battered and deep-fried. It is a popular appetizer or main course, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

History of Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp tempura is believed to have originated in Japan in the 16th century. It is thought to have been introduced by Portuguese traders who brought the technique of deep-frying to Japan. The word “tempura” is derived from the Portuguese word “tempora,” which refers to the period of time during Lent when Catholics abstain from eating meat. During this time, Portuguese cooks would deep-fry fish and vegetables as a way to make them more palatable.

Shrimp tempura quickly became a popular dish in Japan, and it is now considered to be one of the country’s national dishes. It is often served as an appetizer or main course, and it can be found in a variety of restaurants and izakayas throughout Japan.

Ingredients of Shrimp Tempura

The main ingredient in shrimp tempura is, of course, shrimp. The shrimp are typically peeled and deveined, and then they are dipped in a batter made from flour, egg, and water. The shrimp are then deep-fried until they are golden brown and crispy.

Shrimp tempura can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tentsuyu (a soy-based sauce), tartar sauce, or ponzu sauce. It can also be topped with grated daikon radish, green onion, or shichimi togarashi (a Japanese chili pepper blend).

How to Make Shrimp Tempura

Making shrimp tempura is relatively simple. The first step is to prepare the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, and then cut them into 1-inch pieces.

Next, make the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, and water until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thin enough to coat the shrimp without being too runny.

Dip the shrimp in the batter, and then carefully place them in a hot frying pan or deep fryer. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the shrimp from the fryer and drain them on paper towels. Serve the shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Side Dishes for Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp tempura is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Salads: A simple salad of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers is a refreshing way to complement the fried shrimp. You can also add avocado, nuts, or seeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Soups: A hot and comforting soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day. Miso soup, ramen, or udon soup are all good options.
• Rice dishes: Rice is a classic side dish for shrimp tempura. You can serve it plain, or you can add some vegetables or protein for a more filling meal. Some popular rice dishes include sushi rice, fried rice, or rice pilaf.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are a healthy and delicious way to round out your meal. Some good options include steamed or grilled vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. You can also add some pickled vegetables for a sour and crunchy contrast.
• Noodles: Noodles are another great option for a side dish with shrimp tempura. You can serve them with a simple sauce, or you can add some vegetables or protein for a more filling meal. Some popular noodle dishes include pad thai, ramen, or udon soup.

Shrimp tempura is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer or a more substantial main course, shrimp tempura is sure to please.

Drinks to Pair with Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp tempura is a popular Japanese dish made with lightly battered and fried shrimp. It is often served with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or tartar sauce. But what about drinks? What can you pair with shrimp tempura to create a truly memorable dining experience?

Here are a few suggestions for drinks that go well with shrimp tempura:

• Sake. Sake is a Japanese rice wine that is made from fermented rice. It has a light, refreshing flavor that pairs well with the delicate flavors of shrimp tempura.
• Beer. A light, crisp beer is a good choice for pairing with shrimp tempura. The beer’s carbonation helps to cut through the richness of the fried shrimp, and the flavors of the beer complement the flavors of the shrimp.
• Wine. A dry white wine is a good choice for pairing with shrimp tempura. The wine’s acidity helps to balance the richness of the fried shrimp, and the flavors of the wine complement the flavors of the shrimp.
• Cocktails. There are a number of cocktails that can be paired with shrimp tempura. Some good options include the margarita, the mojito, and the daiquiri. The cocktails’ fruit flavors and sweetness complement the flavors of the shrimp tempura.

Ultimately, the best drink to pair with shrimp tempura is the one that you enjoy the most. So experiment with different drinks until you find the perfect pairing for you.

Desserts to Serve with Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp tempura is a savory dish, so it’s best to pair it with a dessert that is light and refreshing. Here are a few suggestions for desserts that go well with shrimp tempura:

• Ice cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic and delicious choice for pairing with shrimp tempura. The ice cream’s sweetness and creaminess help to balance the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Sorbet. A sorbet made with fresh fruit is another good option for pairing with shrimp tempura. The sorbet’s tartness and sweetness help to cut through the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Cakes. A light and airy cake is a good choice for pairing with shrimp tempura. The cake’s sweetness and texture help to balance the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Cookies. A chewy cookie is a good choice for pairing with shrimp tempura. The cookie’s sweetness and texture help to balance the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Fruit salad. A fruit salad made with fresh fruit is a healthy and refreshing choice for pairing with shrimp tempura. The fruit’s sweetness and tartness help to cut through the richness of the fried shrimp.

Ultimately, the best dessert to serve with shrimp tempura is the one that you enjoy the most. So experiment with different desserts until you find the perfect pairing for you.

What is shrimp tempura?
Shrimp tempura is a Japanese dish made with shrimp that is lightly battered and deep-fried. It is often served with dipping sauce, such as tentsuyu or tartar sauce.

What are some good sides to serve with shrimp tempura?
Some good sides to serve with shrimp tempura include:

• Cucumber salad
• Edamame
• Miso soup
• Rice
• Salad
• Soba noodles
• Vegetables

What is the best dipping sauce for shrimp tempura?
The best dipping sauce for shrimp tempura is tentsuyu, which is a Japanese dipping sauce made with dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Tartar sauce is also a popular choice.

How do I make shrimp tempura at home?
To make shrimp tempura at home, you will need:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of ice water
• 1 egg
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ice water, and egg until smooth.
2. Dip the shrimp into the batter, then fry in hot oil until golden brown.
3. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

What are some tips for making shrimp tempura?
Some tips for making shrimp tempura include:

• Use fresh shrimp that are not too large.
• Make the batter just before frying the shrimp.
• Fry the shrimp in small batches so that they do not overcrowd the pan.
• Cook the shrimp until they are golden brown and opaque.
• Serve the shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

What are some common mistakes people make when making shrimp tempura?
Some common mistakes people make when making shrimp tempura include:

• Using old or frozen shrimp.
• Not making the batter fresh.
• Frying the shrimp in too much oil.
• Overcooking the shrimp.
• Not serving the shrimp immediately with dipping sauce.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make delicious shrimp tempura at home that everyone will enjoy.

Shrimp tempura is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. When paired with the right sides, shrimp tempura can create a truly memorable dining experience.

Some of the best sides to serve with shrimp tempura include:

• Sushi rice. Sushi rice is a classic accompaniment to shrimp tempura. The rice’s light and fluffy texture complements the crispy shrimp perfectly.
• Edamame. Edamame is a type of soybean that is steamed and served in the pod. The edamame’s slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture provide a nice contrast to the shrimp tempura.
• Cucumber salad. A cucumber salad made with fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and a simple dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with shrimp tempura.
• Gyoza. Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are filled with ground pork, cabbage, and other vegetables. The gyoza’s savory filling and crispy pan-fried exterior make them a delicious and satisfying side dish for shrimp tempura.

No matter which sides you choose, shrimp tempura is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to impress your guests, give shrimp tempura a try!

Key Takeaways

• Shrimp tempura is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.
• When paired with the right sides, shrimp tempura can create a truly memorable dining experience.
• Some of the best sides to serve with shrimp tempura include sushi rice, edamame, cucumber salad, and gyoza.