Are you craving something crispy, flavorful, and a little bit different for dinner? Let’s dive into Kakiage Tempura Don! This dish combines the crispy goodness of kakiage—mixed vegetable tempura—served over rice and topped with a savory sauce. It’s not just tasty, but also fun to make!
What is Kakiage Tempura Don?
Kakiage is a unique form of tempura where a mix of thinly sliced vegetables and sometimes shrimp or fish is battered and deep-fried until it’s golden and crunchy. When you serve this over a bowl of rice, you get Kakiage Tempura Don—a comforting and hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.
What You’ll Need to Make Kakiage Tempura Don
Ingredients
Here’s your grocery shopping list. Make sure to look for halal options for everything!
For the Kakiage:
- Vegetables: You can use any combination of:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Onion
- Green beans
- Zucchini
Mushrooms
Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold water (ice water is best for that crunch!)
1 egg (optional for extra texture)
Oil: Vegetable oil for frying (peanut oil is great too)
For Serving:
- Steamed rice (sushi rice or short-grain rice works well)
- Soy sauce or tentuyu (tempura dipping sauce, if you want to keep it extra authentic)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnishing)
- Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice) for a little kick
Prep Time: Let’s Get Started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by washing and peeling the veggies you picked. Cut them into thin strips, about 1-2 inches long. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get! If you’re using green beans, just trim the ends.
Pro Tip: Mix colorful veggies to make your dish look vibrant and appetizing.
Step 2: Make the Kakiage Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold water. If you’re using an egg, beat it in before adding to the mixture. The batter should be slightly lumpy; that’s how you get that crunch.
Step 3: Let’s Mix It Up
Gently fold your sliced veggies into the batter. Make sure everything is coated, but don’t overmix; you want some chunks and texture!
Cooking Time: Fry It Up!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or wok, heat your oil over medium-high heat. You can check if it’s ready by dropping in a small amount of batter—if it sizzles and rises to the top, you’re good to go. Aim for a temperature of about 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry the Kakiage
Using a spoon, form small fritters of the vegetable batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot; give them enough space to puff up and become crispy. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, until they are golden brown and crunchy.
Step 6: Drain the Oil
Using a slotted spoon, remove the kakiage and place them on a paper towel to drain off the excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
Assemble Your Kakiage Tempura Don
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Now that your kakiage is ready, it’s time to put it all together.
- Rice Base: Fill a bowl with steaming hot rice.
- Add Kakiage: Pile that delicious kakiage right on top of the rice.
- Sauce It Up: Drizzle some soy sauce or tentuyu over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and a dash of shichimi togarashi if you like.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Dig in and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of your Kakiage Tempura Don. It’s a meal that’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vegetables Work Best for Kakiage?
You can use almost any vegetable! Popular choices include carrots, onions, and sweet potatoes. Just remember to cut them thin.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
Fresh veggies are preferred for the crunch, but if you have frozen ones, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water beforehand.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the rice and kakiage separately. Reheat the kakiage in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispness instead of microwaving.
Is This Recipe Completely Halal?
Absolutely! All the ingredients listed can be found in halal versions. Just make sure to check labels and pick halal-marked items.
Can I Make Kakiage without Egg?
Totally! The batter will still be delicious without the egg. Just use cold water and flour.
Making Kakiage Tempura Don at home is simpler than you might think. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy crispy, fried veggies on a bed of warm rice. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to please. So roll up those sleeves, get cooking, and dig into a bowl of comfort with this delightful Japanese favorite! Happy eating!
