Tempura Green Beans, Yellow Beans And Tofu

Tempura Green Beans, Yellow Beans And Tofu Recipe - Vegetarian Food from New Zealand

Region / culture: New Zealand | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tempura Green Beans, Yellow Beans And Tofu

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish consisting of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. In this recipe, we will be making a delicious and crispy tempura using green beans, yellow beans, and tofu. This dish is perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a tasty appetizer.

History

Tempura is said to have been introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. The word "tempura" is believed to have originated from the Latin word "tempora," which means "time" or "time period." Tempura quickly became a popular dish in Japan and is now enjoyed all over the world.

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup cornstarch
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1.75 cups ice water
1 14 oz (400 g) package firm tofu
vegetable oil (for frying)
24 yellow wax beans, trimmed
24 thin green beans, trimmed

How to prepare

1) In a blender, combine the first 5 ingredients for the batter.
2) Add 1.75 cups of ice water and blend until smooth.
3) Transfer the batter to a shallow dish.
4) Cut the tofu horizontally into slices that are 0.5 inches (12 mm) wide.
5) Cut each slice into logs that are 0.5 inches (12 mm) wide.
6) Arrange the tofu in a single layer on several layers of paper towels.
7) Cover the tofu with more paper towels.
8) Let it stand for 1 hour.
9) Pour enough oil into a heavy large Dutch oven to reach a depth of 3 inches (75 mm).
10) Heat the oil to 375°F (180°C).
11) Working in batches, dip the beans into the batter, shake off the excess, and add them to the oil.
12) Fry the beans until they turn golden, stirring often, for about 3 minutes per batch.
13) Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to paper towels to drain.
14) Repeat the process with the tofu and batter.
Serve the beans and tofu with the sauce.

Variations

You can use different vegetables such as bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms in place of green beans and yellow beans.
For a seafood twist, you can add shrimp or fish fillets to the tempura batter.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices in the batter for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the beans and tofu to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the beans and tofu. Work in batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the ingredients from sticking together.

- Drain the fried beans and tofu on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

- Serve the tempura immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tempura green beans, yellow beans, and tofu with a side of steamed rice and dipping sauce for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect tempura is to have a light and crispy batter. Make sure the batter is smooth and not overmixed to achieve the desired texture. Fry the beans and tofu in hot oil for a short time to prevent them from becoming greasy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can use rice flour or cornstarch as a gluten-free alternative. You can also use other types of beans or vegetables in place of green beans and yellow beans.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the batter and cut the tofu and beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. Make sure to fry the tempura just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tempura green beans, yellow beans, and tofu on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. Serve with dipping sauce in small bowls for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Pairing Recommendations

This tempura dish pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables. You can also serve it with a bowl of miso soup for a traditional Japanese meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tempura in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tempura on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this tempura dish contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this tempura dish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this tempura dish contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this tempura dish contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This tempura dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron from the green beans and tofu.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and soy from the tofu. It may not be suitable for individuals with gluten or soy allergies.

Summary

This tempura dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for a meal.

Summary

Tempura green beans, yellow beans, and tofu is a delicious and crispy dish that is perfect for a light and flavorful meal. With a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is nutritious and satisfying. Serve with steamed rice and dipping sauce for a complete meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it happened so many years ago. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mabel in her cozy little cottage by the sea.

Mabel was a wonderful cook, and she loved to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. On that particular day, she had decided to make tempura green beans, yellow beans, and tofu for lunch. I had never tried anything like it before, and I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures.

As I watched Mabel prepare the dish, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. She smiled and told me that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. It was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations, and Mabel was honored to share it with me.

I watched carefully as Mabel mixed the batter for the tempura, coating the green beans, yellow beans, and tofu in a light and crispy mixture of flour, water, and spices. She fried them in hot oil until they were golden brown and crispy, then served them piping hot with a side of dipping sauce.

The first bite was pure heaven. The green beans were tender and flavorful, the yellow beans were sweet and crunchy, and the tofu was soft and creamy. The combination of textures and flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Mabel was kind enough to write down the recipe for me, and I still have that tattered old piece of paper in my recipe box to this day. Over the years, I have made tempura green beans, yellow beans, and tofu many times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes.

I have shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing it down through the generations just as Mabel's grandmother did. It has become a family favorite, a dish that we all look forward to whenever we get together for a meal.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that sunny summer day with Mabel, I am grateful for the gift of that recipe. It has brought me joy and comfort over the years, connecting me to my past and to the loved ones who have gone before me.

I will always treasure the memory of finding that recipe for the first time, and I will continue to make tempura green beans, yellow beans, and tofu for as long as I am able. It is a dish that brings me happiness and reminds me of the special bond that food can create between friends and family.

So here's to Mabel, and to her grandmother before her. Thank you for sharing your recipe with me, and for giving me a taste of something truly special. I will always cherish the memories we made together, and the delicious meals we shared.