Fall Flavors: Pumpkin Tempura with Savory Miso Dipping Sauce

Today’s Special: Japanese-inspired Pumpkin Tempura with Miso Dipping Sauce

I’m excited to share a unique Japanese-inspired dish that I recently discovered – Pumpkin Tempura with Miso Dipping Sauce. This recipe is perfect for the fall season when pumpkins are abundant and adds a twist to the traditional tempura dish by using pumpkin as the main ingredient. The crispy tempura coating paired with the savory miso dipping sauce creates a delightful combination that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

• 500g pumpkin (sliced into thin rounds)
• 200g tempura batter mix
• 250ml ice-cold water
• for frying
• 50g miso paste
• 30ml rice vinegar
• 20g sugar
• for garnish

Kitchen Tools:

• deep fryer
• mixing bowl
• whisk
• saucepan

Start by slicing the pumpkin into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. In a mixing bowl, prepare the tempura batter mix according to the package instructions, using ice-cold water to achieve a light and crispy batter. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.

Dip each pumpkin slice into the tempura batter, making sure it’s fully coated, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry the pumpkin slices in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

In a saucepan, combine the miso paste, rice vinegar, and sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Serve the pumpkin tempura hot with the miso dipping sauce on the side, garnished with sesame seeds for an added crunch.

Once cooked, the total weight of the dish is approximately 900g, with 4 servings. Each serving weighs around 225g and has an estimated calorie count of 250 calories.

One clever tip for this recipe is to sprinkle a bit of salt on the pumpkin slices before dipping them in the tempura batter to enhance the flavor.

I encourage you to give this Japanese-inspired Pumpkin Tempura with Miso Dipping Sauce a try and customize it to your liking. Enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family for a unique culinary experience!