If you want to impress your guests at your next dinner party or just looking for a creative way to elevate your menu, look no further than tempura shrimp.
Known for its crispy texture and umami flavor, this popular Japanese dish has become a staple on many menus.
Tempura shrimp is a delicious dish that originates from Japan, and it pairs well with a wide range of foods. But what to serve with tempura shrimp?
Its richness and flavor call for complementary sides that not only enhance the dish but also create an unforgettable culinary experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best pairings to serve with tempura shrimp to satisfy your taste buds.
What is tempura shrimp? What does tempura shrimp taste like?
Tempura shrimp is a type of Japanese deep-fried seafood dish. It consists of shrimp that is battered and then deep-fried, usually in vegetable oil or sesame oil.
Tempura shrimp has a light and crunchy texture with an almost sweet flavor. The batter itself has a subtle sweetness to it, while the shrimp contributes its own natural brininess and savoriness to the overall taste.
In Japan, tempura shrimp is often served with a variety of dipping sauces or served over cooked rice. It can also be found as part of various bento box meals, or sushi set menus at Japanese restaurants around the world.
Tempura shrimp makes for an excellent appetizer or snack and pairs wonderfully with beer or other alcoholic beverages.
Best to serve with tempura shrimp
1. Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are a perfect accompaniment to tempura shrimp. Made from buckwheat flour, these noodles have a nutty taste that pairs well with the salty and crunchy shrimp.
To make the dish even more delicious, add some ponzu sauce, scallions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Discover More: Delicious and Creative Dishes to Serve with Cold Soba Noodles
2. Edamame
Edamame is a traditional Japanese snack that complements tempura shrimp perfectly.
The lightness and freshness of edamame balance the rich and oily texture of tempura shrimp, making for a satisfying and refreshing taste. Serve the edamame with a sprinkle of salt and lime for added flavor.
3. Pickled Vegetables
Tempura shrimp goes well with pickled vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and radishes. The sourness of the pickled vegetables balances the sweetness and richness of the tempura shrimp.
You can also try making a quick pickle by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt and pouring it over thinly sliced vegetables.
4. Miso Soup
Miso soup and tempura shrimp make a delicious meal on their own or as part of a multi-course menu.
The earthy and savory flavors of the miso soup complement the sweet and savory flavors of the tempura shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. Add some mushrooms, tofu, and scallions to the soup for extra texture and flavor.
5. Tofu Salad
Tofu salad is a perfect salad to complement tempura shrimp. The soft and silky texture of tofu goes well with the crunchiness of the shrimp. (Recipe)
You can add some lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes to the salad and drizzle it with a miso-based dressing or soy sauce vinaigrette for added flavor.
6. Avocado and Mango Salad
Nothing complements the crispy and crunchy texture of tempura shrimp quite like a fresh and zesty salad! The sweetness of mango and the butteriness of avocado are a match made in heaven.
Add some red onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to create a flavor explosion in every bite. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to prepare!
7. Roasted Vegetables
Tempura shrimp can be quite rich, so it’s always good to balance it out with some healthy greens.
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts add a bold and savory flavor to your meal.
Drizzle some olive oil, sprinkle some garlic powder, and roast them in the oven until crispy and golden brown. You can’t go wrong!
8. Garlic Noodles
For those of us who want to indulge a little bit, garlic noodles are the perfect pairing with tempura shrimp.
Thick and chewy noodles coated in a garlicky and buttery sauce make for a comforting and satisfying side dish.
Add some sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some added flair.
9. Sesame Slaw
Sesame slaw is a perfect side dish to serve with tempura shrimp. This light and refreshing salad can be made with shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and a tangy dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
The nutty flavor of sesame seeds and the crunch of the slaw make for an irresistible combination.
10. Rice
A classic pairing, rice is the perfect accompaniment to tempura shrimp. Whether it’s sticky rice or fluffy rice, it complements the crispy, fried shrimp perfectly.
Explore More: Delicious and Creative Sides to Pair with Mexican Rice
11. Soy sauce
A simple yet flavorful dipping sauce, soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor that enhances the taste of the shrimp.
12. Vegetable Tempura
Pairing tempura shrimp with tempura vegetables is a great way to add some variety to your meal. Some popular options include sweet potato, broccoli, and eggplant.
13. Green tea
A refreshing beverage that pairs well with the savory flavors of tempura shrimp, green tea is a great way to cleanse your palate between bites.
14. Tendon
A popular Japanese dish that consists of tempura shrimp and vegetables served along with a bowl of rice, the tendon is a hearty and satisfying meal.
15. Sashimi
If you’re looking for a lighter option, sashimi pairs well with tempura shrimp. The fresh, raw fish complements the fried shrimp and adds some additional variety to your meal.
What sauce to serve with tempura shrimp or prawns?
When it comes to serving tempura shrimp or prawns, choosing the right sauce can elevate the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Here are seven of the best sauces to complement your crispy and succulent tempura seafood:
1. Soy Sauce
A classic and simple choice, soy sauce brings out the natural umami flavors of tempura shrimp or prawns.
2. Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet and spicy, this sauce adds depth of flavor to your tempura dish and adds a touch of heat.
3. Ponzu Sauce
Made with soy sauce, citrus juice, and vinegar, ponzu sauce gives a tangy and refreshing taste to tempura shrimp or prawns.
4. Wasabi Mayo
A creamy mixture of mayonnaise and wasabi paste, a sauce that adds a kick of heat and creaminess that complements the crispy texture of tempura.
5. Teriyaki Sauce
Thick and sweet teriyaki sauce brings a savory and caramelized flavor to tempura shrimp or prawns.
6. Tentsuyu Sauce
A traditional Japanese dipping sauce, tentsuyu is made with dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin. It has a delicate yet complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the light and crispy tempura batter.
7. Spicy Peanut Sauce
A Southeast Asian-inspired sauce, spicy peanut sauce is made with peanut butter, coconut milk, and chili paste. It adds a depth of nutty and spicy flavor to tempura dishes.
Find Out More: Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Fried Shrimp
What are the best flavors to go with tempura shrimp?
Tempura shrimp is a classic Japanese dish that can be accompanied by a variety of flavors.
The most popular choices are a mixture of sweet and savory flavorings, such as soy sauce, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
Other delicious options include yuzu citrus zest or ponzu for an extra kick of tangy flavor.
For a sweeter tempura shrimp experience, try adding honey or agave nectar to the batter before frying it.
You can also get creative by experimenting with different types of sauces – from teriyaki to Thai chili paste – to make the perfect accompaniment for your tempura shrimp! Whatever you choose, we assure you it will be delicious! Enjoy!
How do you jazz up tempura shrimp?
A great way to add some flavor and kick to tempura shrimp is by preparing a homemade dipping sauce. For example, you could combine mayonnaise, chili oil, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, honey, and sesame seeds for a flavorful sweet-and-spicy dipping sauce.
You can also sprinkle grated ginger or citrus zest on the batter before cooking if you want to give it even more of an Asian-inspired flavor.
To make it extra crunchy, consider adding panko or crushed potato chips to the batter mixture.
Finally, top off your tempura shrimp with a sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for yet another layer of flavor! Enjoy!
How do you display tempura shrimp on a platter?
To display tempura shrimp on a platter, begin by placing them in neat rows. Arrange the platter so that the shrimp are laid out evenly, with some space between each one.
For additional flair, use a few sprigs of herbs or edible flowers to garnish the platter and make it more visually appealing. When serving, use an oil-resistant paper doily underneath the platter to help avoid any greasy splatters.
Finally, provide small dipping dishes for soy sauce or other condiments of your choice to complete the presentation. Enjoy!
Learn More: Amazing Sides Go Best With Breaded Butterfly Shrimp
shrimp tempura meal ideas
Shrimp tempura is a classic Japanese dish that can be accompanied in a variety of ways. Here are some creative meal ideas using shrimp tempura:
1. Tempura Shrimp Bowl
Start with a base of steamed white rice, then top it off with crunchy fried tempura shrimp and your favorite toppings such as nori (seaweed), cucumber slices, pickled ginger, or daikon radish. Drizzle on some soy sauce for added flavor.
2. Tempura Shrimp Sushi
Use pieces of cooked shrimp tempura to make simple sushi rolls filled with crispy prawns, avocado and cucumber slices. Serve this up with wasabi and soy sauce for a delicious and unique sushi experience.
3. Tempura Shrimp Udon
Udon noodles are a great way to enjoy tempura shrimp. Cook the noodles as given instructions on the package, then top with fried tempura shrimp, scallions, and seaweed strips. Serve with a light broth or soy sauce for added flavor.
4. Tofu & Tempura Shrimp Salad
Make a simple and flavorful salad by combining cubes of tofu, chunks of cooked shrimp tempura, diced cucumbers, and shredded carrots.
Dress it up with your favorite dressing, or make a simple soy-ginger vinaigrette to take it over the top!
5. Tempura Shrimp Tacos
Fry up some tempura shrimp, then add it too hard or soft tacos shells with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a creamy chipotle sauce. Enjoy these tacos with a side of black beans and rice for the perfect meal.
Wrap Up on what to serve with tempura shrimp.
And there you have it – the best delicious and easy side dishes to serve alongside your tempura shrimp!
Whether you are looking for a healthy and refreshing salad, a savory roasted vegetable platter, or some indulgent garlic noodles, these options will elevate your meal game and leave your taste buds satisfied. So, go ahead, dig in, and enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQs
How much tempura shrimp per person?
When it comes to tempura shrimp, the general guideline is to allow 3-5 per person. If you’re serving a variety of other food items alongside the tempura shrimp, then you may want to reduce this number slightly.
However, if your guests are particularly fond of fried seafood or if the tempura shrimp are especially large, then you may need to increase the amount per person accordingly.
Ultimately, how much tempura shrimp to serve per person depends on a variety of factors and should be adjusted in accordance with your individual needs.
In addition to considering quantity when preparing tempura shrimp for your guests, it’s also important that you take into account quality.
Since many people prefer the crunchy texture provided by deep-fried tempura shrimp, it’s important to choose the freshest ingredients when making this dish.
Additionally, be sure to season your batter with different spices and herbs that will enhance the flavor of the tempura shrimp. With attentive consideration and planning, you can ensure that everyone in attendance has an enjoyable dining experience.
Finally, remember that there are many other ways to serve tempura shrimp aside from just deep-frying them. For example, you could opt for steaming or grilling the shrimp instead—both methods help retain more moisture than deep-frying.
Whichever method you choose, always make sure to follow safety guidelines closely when preparing the dish! Enjoy!
What vegetables go well with tempura?
When it comes to pairing vegetables with tempura, there are a few popular choices.
Eggplant, squash, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms are all great additions to tempura dishes. All of these vegetables have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with the crisp coating of tempura.
You can also try adding crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional texture and flavor.
Broccoli is another great option, especially when served with a creamy dipping sauce such as soy sauce or ponzu. For an extra kick of flavor, you can add some freshly grated ginger or garlic to the batter before frying.
Tempura is also delicious when served with classic Japanese side dishes such as miso soup or edamame. For a complete meal, try adding some steamed rice and pickled vegetables to your plate.
What to eat with battered prawns?
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside your delicious battered prawns, there are plenty of options to choose from.
For a classic pairing, consider serving the prawns with a side of crispy french fries and tartar sauce.
The salty crunch of the fries and the tangy flavor of the sauce perfectly complement the rich flavor of the prawns.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, consider pairing the prawns with a simple salad.
A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the prawns. You could also try serving the prawns with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a healthier option.
For a more exotic pairing, try serving the prawns with a side of coconut rice. The sweetness of the rice pairs well with the savory flavor of the prawns, and the coconut adds a tropical twist to the dish.
Alternatively, you could try serving the prawns with a side of spicy noodles for a bold and flavorful combination.
What Dip Goes With Tempura Shrimp?
If you’re wondering what dip goes with tempura shrimp, you’re not alone!
Tempura shrimp is a delicious and popular appetizer or side dish found in Japanese cuisine. But to fully enjoy it, you’ll need the perfect dip to complement its crispy, crunchy texture and mild flavor.
One classic dipping sauce is a simple mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. This savory and tangy sauce enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
For those who prefer something spicier, try a chili-lime sauce. This dip combines lime juice, chili flakes, garlic, and sugar for a sweet, sour, and spicy taste that complements the tempura shrimp perfectly.
Another popular option is a creamy mayo-based sauce, which adds a rich and indulgent flavor that pairs well with the light and crispy shrimp.
Try mixing some mayo, lemon juice, soy sauce, and grated ginger for a delicious and creamy dip.
In conclusion, there are many different dips that go well with tempura shrimp, depending on your taste preferences.
Whether you prefer savory, spicy, or creamy flavors, there’s a dip out there that will perfectly complement your tempura shrimp and take your taste buds to new heights.
