Seasonal Vegetable Tempura with Tsuyu Dipping Sauce

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

Lightly battered and fried seasonal vegetables served with a savory soy-based dipping sauce. This japanese (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Assorted vegetables, All-purpose flour, Ice water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Gradually add 1/2 cup ice water while whisking until smooth and just combined.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, dip 12 oz assorted vegetables (cut into 1/4-inch thick slices) into the batter, coating evenly.
  3. Step 3: Carefully place the battered vegetables into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, and 1/4 cup dashi stock. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Serve the tempura immediately with the tsuyu sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seasonal Vegetable Tempura with Tsuyu Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Seasonal Vegetable Tempura with Tsuyu Dipping Sauce?

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 Seasonal Vegetable Tempura with Tsuyu 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 Seasonal Vegetable Tempura with Tsuyu Dipping Sauce 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 Seasonal Vegetable Tempura with Tsuyu Dipping Sauce 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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