Tempura Green Beans
Lightly battered and fried green beans, served with a side of ranch dressing.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Tempura, a Japanese dish of battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. The concept of frying vegetables, however, has a longer history across various cultures. The combination with ranch dressing is a distinctly American addition, showcasing the blending of culinary traditions.
Tempura green beans with ranch are often seen as a casual appetizer or side dish in American restaurants, particularly those with a contemporary or fusion cuisine. It's a popular snack due to its easy-to-eat format and appealing flavor combination.
Fusion Cuisine
This dish exemplifies fusion cuisine, blending Japanese tempura techniques with American flavors (ranch dressing). It showcases the growing trend of culinary experimentation and cross-cultural influences in modern dining.
Appetizer Culture
It's a common appetizer or snack in American restaurants and bars, fitting into the culture of sharing plates and enjoying flavorful bites before a main course. It also caters to vegetarian and vegan preferences when made with plant-based ranch dressing.
The dish presents a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The green beans offer a fresh, slightly grassy taste, while the tempura batter provides a light, crispy coating. The ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous element.
The green beans, ideally fresh and slightly crisp-tender, contribute a vegetal sweetness. The tempura batter, made with ingredients like flour, starch, and ice water, creates a delicate, airy crust. Ranch dressing, typically containing buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs (dill, parsley, chives), garlic, and onion, delivers a cool, savory, and tangy counterpoint to the fried beans. The balance of salty, savory, and fresh flavors is key to its appeal.
Batter Preparation
Use ice-cold water or club soda in the batter for a light and crispy texture. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop gluten and result in a tough coating.
Oil Temperature
Maintain a consistent oil temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) for even cooking. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust as needed.
Drainage is key
Drain the fried green beans on a wire rack lined with paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain their crispness.
Ranch variation
Experiment with different ranch dressing variations by adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
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