Crispy Tempura (Candied Fruit)
Tempura is a traditional Japanese sweet snack featuring fresh fruit coated in a light, crispy batter and lightly sweetened with a delicate sugar coating.
20m
4
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Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, apples), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- 1
Prepare fruit and oil
Pat fruit pieces completely dry with paper towels. Heat oil in a deep pot or wok to 340°F (170°C).
- 2
Make tempura batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix ice-cold sparkling water and egg yolk.
- 3
Combine batter ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir very lightly with chopsticks or a fork. The batter should be lumpy - do not overmix.
- 4
Fry fruit tempura
Dip fruit pieces in batter and immediately fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes until light golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 5
Make candy coating
In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until it reaches 300°F (150°C) or hard crack stage.
- 6
Coat with candy
Remove from heat, add vanilla, and quickly dip each tempura piece in the hot candy coating. Place on parchment paper.
- 7
Serve immediately
Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve immediately while the coating is still crispy and warm.
Chef's Tips
The key to perfect tempura is ice-cold batter and not overmixing - lumps are actually good! Make sure your fruit is completely dry before dipping to prevent oil splattering. Work quickly when coating with the candy - it hardens fast. If the candy coating becomes too thick, gently reheat it. This dessert is best served immediately while the coating is crispy.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this crispy tempura (candied fruit)
How long does it take to make Crispy Tempura (Candied Fruit)?
This recipe takes 30 minutes total time, including 20 minutes prep time and 10 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Crispy Tempura (Candied Fruit) recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Crispy Tempura (Candied Fruit) recipe?
This recipe is rated as Hard difficulty level, making it best for experienced cooks.
Can I make substitutions in this Crispy Tempura (Candied Fruit) recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this crispy tempura (candied fruit) ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this crispy tempura (candied fruit) up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover crispy tempura (candied fruit)?
Store leftover crispy tempura (candied fruit) covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with crispy tempura (candied fruit)?
This crispy tempura (candied fruit) pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze crispy tempura (candied fruit)?
Yes, this crispy tempura (candied fruit) freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.