Crispy Simpa Leaf Tempura with Citrus Dipping Sauce
Light and crispy tempura made with simpa leaves, served with a bright citrus soy dipping sauce for a crunchy appetizer. This Asian Fusion-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, turns simpa leaves (or spinach), all-purpose flour, cornstarch into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 100 grams simpa leaves (or spinach)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup cold sparkling water
- 1 egg yolk
- for deep frying vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 egg yolk, and 3/4 cup cold sparkling water until a smooth batter forms; keep cold in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Step 3: Dip 100 grams simpa leaves one by one into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- Step 4: Carefully place battered leaves into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, turning once.
- Step 5: Remove leaves with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp grated ginger until well combined.
- Step 7: Serve the crispy simpa leaf tempura hot with the citrus dipping sauce on the side to balance the savory crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Simpa Leaf Tempura with Citrus Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Simpa Leaf Tempura with Citrus Dipping Sauce?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Simpa Leaf Tempura with Citrus Dipping Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Simpa Leaf Tempura with Citrus Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Crispy Simpa Leaf Tempura with Citrus Dipping Sauce?
Asian Fusion snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
