tempura

American  

[tem-poor-uh] / tɛmˈpʊər ə /

noun

Japanese Cooking.

1. seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and deep-fried.

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tempura British  

/ ˈtɛmpərə /

noun

1. a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and deep-fried, often at the table

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Etymology

Origin of tempura

1935–40; < Japanese tenpura, allegedly < Portuguese tempêro seasoning, taste (derivative of temperar to season < Latin temperāre; see temper)

Explanation

Tempura is a Japanese dish where seafood or vegetables are lightly battered and fried to a crispy perfection. The tempura cooking technique was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century and has since become a staple in Japanese cuisine. The light and airy texture of tempura makes it a favorite at Japanese restaurants around the world. Often served with a dipping sauce or sprinkled with salt, tempura showcases the delicious harmony of delicate batter and fresh ingredients.

Example Sentences

Tempura batter made another appearance in the lobster beignets used in the lobster roll/po’ boy hybrid, far more the former than latter, and tasty but at $26 questionably priced.

From Washington Post • Dec. 2, 2020

Tempura Matsui’s chef, Kiyoshi Chikano, has created some new items, including sliced tempura over rice, and tempura chirashi, and also serves soba noodles from the noodle expert Koichi Endo.

From New York Times • Sep. 1, 2020

Tempura doesn’t sit too well, so try to eat it right away.

From The Guardian • Aug. 22, 2020

The barista known as Ahi Sweeney was revealed to be "Tempura Tantrum" when the Rat City Rollergirls appeared on Bravo's "Top Chef: Seattle" the other week.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2013

The next day as I entered the class room quite unconcernedly, I saw on the black board written in letters so large as to take up the whole space; "Professor Tempura."

From Botchan (Master Darling) by Morri, Yasotaro