Best Tempura of 2026
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Tempura is a popular Japanese dish that has become a favorite among foodies worldwide. It is a light and crispy batter made from wheat flour and cold water that is used to coat seafood, vegetables, and meat before frying. The result is a delicious and crunchy dish that is perfect as an appetizer or main course. Tempura is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed at home or in restaurants. It is available in various flavors and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you are a fan of seafood, veggies, or meat, tempura is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Tempura
Kikkoman Tempura Batter Mix
The Kikkoman Tempura Batter Mix is a 10-ounce, Japanese-style batter mix that produces extra crispy batter. It is a product of the USA and falls under the Tempura category.
Dynasty Gluten Free Tempura Batter Mix
This Japanese style tempura batter mix is perfect for those who follow a gluten-free diet. You can use it to fry your favorite seafood or vegetables, and the batter will give your dishes an authentic and crispy texture. With a package dimension of 19.558cm L x 13.97cm W x 5.842cm H, you can store it easily in your kitchen.
Kikkoman Japanese Tempura Batter
Kikkoman Japanese Tempura Batter is a 10-ounce resealable bag of wheat flour, corn starch, and leavening ingredients. You can easily create a smooth batter by adding ice water to coat seafood, vegetables, and poultry with a crispy layer. This batter is perfect for making delicious tempura dishes. Made in the USA.
Kikkoman Tempura Dipping Sauce
Kikkoman Tempura Sauce is a convenient dipping sauce that enhances the taste of shrimp, seafood, and vegetable tempura. This sauce is concentrated, making it economical for you to use, ensuring you get the most out of every bottle. Made using real fish stock and traditionally brewed soy sauce, it brings authentic flavor to your dishes. Simply add hot water as directed, and in moments, you’ll have a classic dipping sauce ready to elevate your meal. Enjoy the traditional taste without the hassle of preparation.
Kikkoman Mix Tempura Batter
Kikkoman Mix Tempura Batter is a grocery item that comes in a pack of 2, providing extra crispy and delicious tempura. Its package dimensions are 11.988 cm L X23.291 cm W X27.305 cm H, and it weighs 0.721 kg. This product is made in the United States and falls under the Tempura category.
assi Premium Tempura Batter Mix
This 2-pound bag of assi Premium Tempura Batter Mix from Korea is perfect for adding a delicate, golden coating with a satisfying crunch to your fried foods. The mix is easy to use, making it a great choice for both professional and home cooks. This product falls under the Tempura category.
Swashbuckle Snacks Tenkasu Tempura Bits
Swashbuckle Tempura Bits are crispy bits of tempura batter harvested while creating other goodies, now repurposed as bonus snacks or to add texture and flavor to various dishes. These delicious snacks are crunchy, savory, and satisfying with a mild flavor that can be enjoyed on their own or seasoned to your liking. They are a versatile addition to soups, salads, pancakes, French fries, and more, providing a delightful crunch and depth to your meals. Made and packaged in Japan, these true tenkasu snacks embody the heritage of Japanese snacking. Even if you've never heard of tenkasu, give Swashbuckle Tempura Bits a try and discover their unique taste and versatility.
Otafuku Tenkasu Tempura Crisps 1KG
The Otafuku Tenkasu Tempura Crisps add a light, crispy texture that can enhance many dishes, from sushi to soups, giving your meals an enjoyable crunch. Made in Japan with authentic ingredients, these crisps bring a genuine taste of Japanese cuisine right to your kitchen. Whether you're a professional chef or cooking at home, the 1kg package offers plenty to experiment with. You can use these versatile tempura flakes not only as a garnish on poke bowls but also to add a surprising crunch to desserts like ice cream, making your cooking more creative and fun.
CJ Beksul Korean Shrimp Tempura Frying Mix
Experience authentic and delicious Korean taste with CJ Beksul Korean Shrimp Tempura Frying Mix. The extra crisp texture guarantees a satisfying crunch with every bite. The packaging comes in a 2.2 lb pack, perfect for bulk cooking or sharing with friends and family. Ideal for making shrimp tempura, this tempura mix can also be used for other dishes.
Swashbuckle Snacks Seaweed Tenkasu Tempura Bits 300g
Swashbuckle Seaweed Tenkasu offers crispy tempura bits made from leftover batter, giving you a tasty snack or a way to enhance your meals with added crunch. You can enjoy them straight out of the bag as a savory, mildly seaweed-flavored treat. These tempura bits also work great in many dishes like soups, salads, and even French fries, adding texture and deeper flavor to your cooking. Made in Japan, these authentic tenkasu bits bring a traditional touch to your snacks and meals, letting you experience genuine Japanese tempura quality right at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is tempura healthier than fried?
Tempura is considered a healthier alternative to most fried foods. While it is still a fried dish, tempura uses less oil, resulting in less grease. This makes it lighter and airier compared to other frying methods. Additionally, tempura has a relatively high protein content.
2. What is Japanese tempura flour made of?
Japanese tempura flour is made by adding potato starch or cornstarch to regular flour. This mixture prevents gluten from forming, resulting in a crispy and delicious tempura batter. Many pre-made "tempura flours" already contain potato starch or cornstarch, and some recipes incorporate 30g of potato starch into 150g of cake flour.
3. Why is tempura so crispy?
Tempura achieves its crispiness by ensuring the batter is made just before cooking. This minimizes the time for the flour to absorb water, allowing the moisture to be rapidly removed during frying. The quick removal of moisture results in a crisp crust.
4. What is tempura batter made of?
Traditional tempura batter consists of ice water, flour, and egg yolks. Some variations may include soda water, baking soda, cornstarch, potato starch, or rice flour to enhance the crispy texture.
5. How unhealthy is shrimp tempura?
While deep-fried foods are generally not considered healthy, shrimp tempura is relatively low in calories and fat compared to other fried foods. The light and airy batter used in tempura doesn't absorb much oil, making it a better choice in terms of calorie and fat content.
6. What is the main ingredient in tempura?
The main ingredients in tempura batter are flour, egg, and cold water. Unlike conventional batter, tempura batter uses less oil and no breadcrumbs. This results in a delicate and crispy texture that is lighter than traditional batter.
7. Why is tempura unhealthy?
While tempura itself is not inherently unhealthy, it can become unhealthy if it is battered and deep-fried. This cooking method adds calories and fat to the dish. However, when tempura is prepared using the proper techniques and ingredients, it can be enjoyed as a relatively healthier fried option.
8. How unhealthy is tempura batter?
Tempura batter, compared to other fry batters, is relatively healthier due to its light texture. While it is high in fat and low in vitamins and nutrients, it does have a higher protein content. It's important to consume tempura in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
During our tempura research, we found 24 tempura products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 18,031 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tempura list. We found that most customers choose tempura with an average price of $12.35.
The tempura are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tempura, including Kikkoman, Dynasty, Assi, Swashbuckle Snacks, Otafuku. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!