Crispy Jalapeno Sardine Tempura

Servings

Prep Time

30 minutes

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

2 cans King Oscar Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Hot Jalapeño Peppers
Optional vegetables (mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, eggplant, kabocha squash, onions, asparagus, broccoli florets)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp corn starch
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup cold water, or more if needed
Oil, for frying

For Tentsuya Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup dashi
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp mirin
1 tsp sugar
Other dipping sauce options: soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or hot sauce

Whole jalapeño sardines dipped in a light, airy tempura batter and fried until crispy and golden, served with a classic tentsuyu dipping sauce that balances the heat.

Instructions

Drain sardines and gently separate the whole sardines. Set aside. If you also want to fry some vegetables, then cut vegetables into thin slices or small bite sized pieces.
In bowl combine the flour, corn starch, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add the beaten egg and 3/4 cup of the water.
Whisk or stir vigorously to break up any clumps of flour. The batter should be smooth and slightly clingy. If batter is too thick add about a tablespoon of water at a time until it is a smooth, clingy, and still runny texture.
Add about 1 1/2-inches of oil to frying pan then heat to 350°F on medium-high heat.
Gently dip each sardine into the batter then place in the pan, giving a little space between each sardine. Fry each side of the sardines until the batter is crisp and golden, about 1-2 minutes per side. Repeat for all sardines. Drain on paper towels.
If you want to fry vegetables too then make more batter if necessary, then dip vegetables into the batter. Fry until vegetables are cooked through and golden brown.
Make the Tentsuyu dipping sauce: combine dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a bowl. Stir to dissolve sugar and taste for seasonings. If you prefer your sauce a little sweeter, add another tsp of sugar.
Serve the tempura with Tentsuyu dipping sauce or your choice of dipping sauce.