Homemade Vegetable Tempura with Dashi Batter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, airy tempura made with a traditional dashi-based batter, featuring seasonal vegetables fried to golden perfection. This japanese-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs assorted vegetables, all-purpose flour, cold water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare vegetables: cut 2 cups of mixed vegetables (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini) into 1.5-inch pieces, ensuring they're uniform in size for even frying.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cold water, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp baking powder until just combined (do not overmix—batter should be slightly lumpy).
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (use a thermometer), then dip vegetables one at a time into the batter, letting excess drip off for 2-3 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Carefully place vegetables into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and puffed, flipping once for even color. Drain on paper towels immediately to maintain crispness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Homemade Vegetable Tempura with Dashi Batter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Homemade Vegetable Tempura with Dashi Batter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep assorted vegetables from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Homemade Vegetable Tempura with Dashi Batter?

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 Homemade Vegetable Tempura with Dashi Batter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Homemade Vegetable Tempura with Dashi Batter vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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