Rock Shrimp Tempura
Crispy rock shrimp tempura with a creamy spicy sauce.
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 seafood and vegetables that have been battered and deep fried, was introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries and traders. It evolved over time, with regional variations and ingredient adaptations. The introduction of rock shrimp to the dish is a more recent American adaptation, likely originating in fusion restaurants.
Rock shrimp tempura, particularly with a creamy spicy sauce, is often found in Japanese-American fusion restaurants and upscale dining establishments. It's frequently enjoyed as an appetizer or shared dish, reflecting a modern approach to Japanese cuisine.
Fusion Cuisine
Rock shrimp tempura exemplifies fusion cuisine, blending traditional Japanese tempura techniques with American flavor preferences, particularly the love for creamy and spicy sauces.
Social Dining
Often served as an appetizer, it's commonly shared among diners, promoting a social and interactive dining experience.
The dish is a delightful combination of crispy, savory, and spicy flavors. The rock shrimp offers a subtly sweet and slightly briny taste, while the tempura batter provides a light and airy crispness. The creamy spicy sauce adds a contrasting element of richness, sweetness, and heat.
Rock shrimp, though smaller than regular shrimp, possesses a sweeter and more lobster-like flavor. The tempura batter is typically made with a combination of flour (often rice flour for extra crispness), starch (like cornstarch or potato starch), and ice-cold water or sparkling water to maintain a light texture. The creamy spicy sauce often features mayonnaise as a base, blended with sriracha or other chili sauces, and sometimes a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar, and acidity from lemon or lime juice.
Ice-Cold Batter
Keep the tempura batter ice-cold to prevent gluten development, ensuring a light and crispy texture. Add ice cubes or use sparkling water to maintain the cold temperature.
Frying Temperature
Maintain a consistent frying temperature of around 350-375°F (175-190°C) for even cooking and crispness. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
Don't Overcrowd
Fry the rock shrimp in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the pan will result in soggy tempura.
Sauce Consistency
Adjust the consistency of the creamy spicy sauce by adding a little milk or water to thin it out, or more mayonnaise to thicken it. Taste and adjust the spiciness to your preference.
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