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1
To straighten the shrimp, slice a very shallow line in the back of each shrimp and pull the vein out.
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2
Cut two to three small slits in the bottom side of the shrimp and bend them flat.
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3
Set aside.
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4
In a small saucepan, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
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5
Bring to a boil.
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6
Then simmer over low heat until all of the sugar has melted and the sauce is smooth.
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7
Set aside.
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8
To make the tempura batter, combine the egg with the ice water in a bowl and whisk well.
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9
In a separate bowl mix the flour with a couple dashes of salt and pepper.
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10
Add the egg mixture into the flour and mix just until combined, even if there are still lumps.
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11
Rinse and pat dry the shrimp to ensure that most of the water is removed.
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12
Put the cornstarch on a plate, and coat the shrimp in the cornstarch.
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13
Set aside.
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14
In a deep pot, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 170-180 C (350 F) on a candy thermometer.
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15
Dip the shrimp in the tempura batter until fully coated except for the tail.
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16
Transfer them about 2 or 3 at a time into the frying pot.
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17
Make sure to not crowd them in the oil.
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18
Give them several minutes to brown before flipping them to the other side.
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19
Once golden brown and somewhat crispy, transfer them to a paper towel lined plate.
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20
Repeat the process for the remaining shrimp until they are all cooked.
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21
If the shrimp are not quite browned, place them on an oven-safe sheet under the oven broiler for about 3 minutes at 500 F. Then remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
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22
Serve with peeled and grated daikon radish and some tempura dipping sauce.
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23
Enjoy!
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24
This recipe was developed after frequenting several little tempura shops around the island of Okinawa.