Kale Tempura
Kale Tempura
......is a delicious and crispy Japanese-style snack or appetizer made by lightly battering kale leaves and deep-frying them until golden and crunchy. It’s a great way to enjoy kale in a new and indulgent form while still getting some of its nutrients!
I am using the red Russian Kale.
🥬 Kale Tempura Recipe
📝 Ingredients:
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Fresh kale leaves (curly or Red Russian work well)
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1 cup all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup corn flour
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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1 cup ice-cold water (very cold is key!)
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Pinch of salt
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Oil for deep-frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes, sesame seeds, or lemon zest for garnish
Serve with: tempura dipping sauce, soy sauce, or ponzu
👨🍳 Instructions:
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Prep the Kale:
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Wash and dry the kale thoroughly.
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Remove tough stems; keep medium-sized leaves whole for best results.
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Make the Tempura Batter:
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In a bowl, mix the cold water and egg.
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Add flour and a pinch of salt.
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Stir gently with chopsticks or a fork — don’t over mix (a few lumps are fine).
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Keep the batter cold — you can place the bowl over a bed of ice if needed.
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Heat the Oil:
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Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350–360°F (175–180°C).
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Test with a small bit of batter — it should sizzle and float immediately.
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Fry the Kale:
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Dip each kale leaf in the batter, shake off excess.
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Fry in small batches until light golden and crispy (about 30–45 seconds per batch).
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Don’t overcrowd the pan.
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Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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Serve:
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Sprinkle with sea salt or any optional garnishes.
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Serve hot with dipping sauce.
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🍴 Dipping Sauce (Simple Tempura Sauce):
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1/2 cup dashi (or light broth)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp mirin
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1/2 tsp sugar
Mix and heat until warm. Serve with tempura.
✅ Tips:
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Use ice-cold batter and hot oil to keep the tempura light and crispy.
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Don’t overcrowd the frying pan—this keeps the oil temperature stable.
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Red Russian kale or tender young kale gives a lighter bite.
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