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

There will also be shrimp tempura and Georgia peach and ricotta flatbread with hot honey.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The maki rolls are flavorful, the crudo bright and refreshing, and there are plenty of vegetable-forward dishes as well, like tempura eggplant and kombu carrots.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

Gen Alpha has acquired a taste for shrimp tempura and salmon nigiri—and parents are paying a heavy price.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

She was surrounded by lettuce, parsley, mint, alfalfa and purple shiso leaves used for tempura in one of her restaurants.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2023

Where the odors of tempura, raw fish and cha had dominated, the aroma of chitlings, greens and ham hocks now prevailed.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou