Pork and Vegetable Tempura: Delicious Fried Dish Using Leftover Ingredients
Crispy and Delicious Tempura Recipe Using Pork, Various Vegetables, and Mushrooms from Your Pantry
This tempura dish is made by frying leftover pork shoulder, a variety of vegetables, and mushrooms from your home! It’s a delightful way to use up ingredients and create a satisfying meal. The tempura is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a perfect snack for kids or an appetizer for adults. Enjoy it with a simple dipping sauce!
Main Ingredients- 200g domestic pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 carrot, julienned
- A handful of garland chrysanthemum (Shungiku)
- 1/4 cabbage, finely shredded
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, cut it into bite-sized, rough pieces. Finely shred the cabbage; this will help the batter adhere well.
Step 2
Trim the tough stems off the fresh shiitake mushrooms, rinse them under running water, and then slice them thinly. Prepare the carrot and onion by peeling and washing them, then julienning them to a similar thickness as the mushrooms. For the garland chrysanthemum, pick off the leaves and wash them. (Tip: Adding aromatic vegetables like these significantly enhances the flavor! You can also use other herbs like perilla leaves or spring greens if you have them.)
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the tempura flour and cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. Add one egg white, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Gradually add cold water while whisking to create a thick batter that can coat the ingredients well. Once the batter is ready, add all the prepared pork, vegetables, and mushrooms to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the batter.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of olive oil or cooking oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Wearing disposable gloves on one hand, scoop portions of the batter and shape them into rough rounds. Carefully place these batter-covered ingredients into the hot oil. (Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, I like to fry them once until golden brown, then remove them, increase the oil temperature, and fry them a second time.)
Step 5
Once the tempura is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Enjoy them as they are for a delicious, crispy treat!
Step 6
To serve, spread a bed of shredded cabbage on a serving plate and arrange the tempura generously on top. Prepare the soy-vinegar dipping sauce and serve alongside. You can also add pickled chilies or onions for extra flavor. For children, consider serving with ketchup or mustard. Using affordable and healthy pork shoulder, you can create a generous and satisfying tempura meal that the whole family will love!
