Tempura Tantrums
Lightly Battered Cauliflower and Green Bean Tempura with Seared Ribeye Tataki and Savory Onion Dipping Sauce
50 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerJapaneseDairy-freeNut-freeShellfish-free
Herb's take
Japanese tempura is all about shattering crispness and delicate flavors, while tataki gives steak the drama of a hot sear and a cool center. Today, you’ll nail both, plus an umami-rich onion dipping sauce and slurpable udon, all in one dinner plate.
Equipment needed
- Dutch oven or deep fryer
- Heavy skillet
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01Combine onion, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cook until onions are translucent and the sauce is slightly reduced, about 8 minutes. Strain, reserving both liquid and onions separately.
- 02Rub ribeye steaks all over with 1 tablespoon neutral oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- 03Heat a heavy skillet over high until smoking hot. Sear steaks 1 minute per side for rare, or up to 2 minutes for medium-rare. Immediately transfer to a plate and let rest 10 minutes, then chill in the freezer for 10 more minutes for easy slicing.
- 04Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add udon noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- 05In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add ice-cold sparkling water and gently stir until just combined, a few lumps are perfect.
- 06Heat 1 1/2 quarts neutral oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot to 350°F.
- 07Pat purple cauliflower florets and green beans very dry with paper towels. Working in batches, dip each piece into the tempura batter and carefully lower into hot oil. Fry until pale golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- 08Slice the seared ribeye thinly against the grain.
- 09To serve, arrange udon noodles on plates. Top with tempura cauliflower and green beans. Fan steak slices alongside. Sprinkle with scallions and reserved sautéed onions. Serve dipping sauce on the side for tempura and steak.
Want your own recipe?
Toss me some ingredients in the Recipe Lab and I'll invent three recipes on the spot. Just for you.