Chikuwa Tempura

Ingredients:

• 8 chikuwa (tubular fish cakes)
• 1 cup tempura flour
• 1 cup ice-cold water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Dipping sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon dashi (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Grated daikon radish for serving (optional)

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 350°F (180°C).

Step 2: Cut each chikuwa in half diagonally, creating two pieces from each tube.

Step 3: In a bowl, combine tempura flour and ice-cold water. Mix lightly; the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Step 4: Dip each chikuwa piece into the tempura batter, ensuring it's well coated.

Step 5: Carefully place the battered chikuwa into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Once fried, transfer the Chikuwa Tempura to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 7: For the dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, mirin, dashi (or water), and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 8: Optional: Serve the Chikuwa Tempura with grated daikon radish for added freshness.

Step 9: Dip the crispy Chikuwa Tempura into the sauce and enjoy this Japanese delight.

Indulge in the delightful crunch of Chikuwa Tempura, a tasty twist on traditional tempura with the unique flavor of chikuwa fish cakes.