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Intermediate Japanese - Free Online Course
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tempura
Tempura is a deep-fried Japanese cuisine. The practice of deep-frying food was introduced by the Portuguese merchants and missionaries during the late 1500s. Over the years, tempura has evolved to suit the Japanese palate. Tempura dishes consist of fish, shrimp, squid, and various vegetables. The ingredients are first cut into bite-sized pieces that can easily be lifted with chopsticks. Then they are deep-fried for a short time in vegetable oil.
Tempura is served with rice or grated daikon garnish. It is also served with a special sauce—a mixture of soy sauce, soup broth, and sweet rice wine.
Tempura is popular among many people who avoid more “exotic” Japanese cuisine like sushi and sashimi. Because tempura is deep-fried, its texture and general flavor resembles many Western dishes.