Crispy Tempura Shrimp Rice Bowls with Ponzu Dipping Sauce

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines crispy textures with fresh flavors, look no further than these Crispy Tempura Shrimp Rice Bowls with Ponzu Dipping Sauce. This recipe is a perfect blend of juicy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, citrusy dipping sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for friends or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. It brings the flavors of Japanese cuisine right to your kitchen, making it an excellent option for a cozy night in or a culinary adventure.

Not only are these rice bowls visually stunning, but they are also easy to make. The tempura batter creates a light, airy coating around the shrimp, ensuring they are perfectly crispy when fried. Paired with the fresh crunch of vegetables and the bright flavors of the ponzu sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more seafood into your diet, providing a healthy dose of protein and nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Crispy Tempura Shrimp Rice Bowls with Ponzu Dipping Sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t like shrimp? Try this recipe with chicken or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. The rice bowls are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to explore various flavors and textures.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is the balance it offers. The tempura shrimp’s crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender rice and the fresh crunch of carrots and cucumber. The ponzu sauce adds a zesty kick that enhances each bite, making this dish a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or enjoying it solo, it’s a meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Additionally, this dish allows for some meal prep magic! You can prepare the tempura batter and cut your vegetables in advance, making it quick to assemble when you’re ready to eat. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just fry the shrimp, assemble your bowls, and enjoy!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe for Crispy Tempura Shrimp Rice Bowls with Ponzu Dipping Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The process of making tempura is fun and rewarding. Watching the shrimp transform from raw to golden and crispy is a culinary joy. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant will boost your confidence in the kitchen.

Moreover, the health benefits of shrimp are significant. Shrimp is low in calories yet high in protein, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It also contains essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12, supporting overall well-being. Pairing it with fresh vegetables and rice further enhances the nutritional profile of this dish, providing a balanced meal that is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Finally, this recipe is perfect for sharing. Food brings people together, and these rice bowls are no exception. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a meal with family, the vibrant colors and flavors of this dish will spark conversation and create memories. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to their liking.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• For the Tempura Shrimp:
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Rice Bowls:
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• For the Ponzu Dipping Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup citrus juice (like lemon or lime)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mirin (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon chopped green onions

Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels for draining
• Serving bowls

These simple ingredients and utensils are all you need to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, you can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store.

Detailed Recipe Steps

1. Prepare the Tempura Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the cold sparkling water, mixing until just combined. The batter should be lumpy; do not overmix. This will ensure a light and crispy texture when fried.
2. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top.
3. Fry the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off. Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain them on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Rice Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the cooked white rice, followed by the shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions. This colorful arrangement not only looks appetizing but also ensures a balanced bite of flavors in each spoonful.
5. Make the Ponzu Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, citrus juice, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), grated ginger, and chopped green onions. Mix well until fully incorporated. This sauce will add a refreshing zing to your crispy shrimp.
6. Assemble the Bowl: Top each rice bowl with crispy tempura shrimp and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve with the ponzu dipping sauce on the side for added flavor. Ensure that each bowl is beautifully presented for a delightful dining experience.
7. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the shrimp are still crispy. Dip each bite into the ponzu sauce for an explosion of flavor that will keep you coming back for more!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Crispy Tempura Shrimp Rice Bowls with Ponzu Dipping Sauce are an exciting dish that combines delightful textures and vibrant flavors. This recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also an opportunity to explore Japanese cuisine in your kitchen. We encourage you to try this recipe, share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips.

For inspiration, visit our Pinterest page here.

Crispy Tempura Shrimp Rice Bowls with Ponzu Dipping Sauce

Enjoy a delightful combination of crispy tempura shrimp served over a bed of fresh rice and vegetables, accompanied by a zesty ponzu dipping sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Deep Frying Pan
• Slotted Spoon
• Serving bowls

Ingredients

  

For the Tempura Shrimp

• 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cold sparkling water
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• as needed Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Rice Bowls

• 2 cups Cooked white rice
• 1 cup Shredded carrots
• 1 cup Cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame seeds

For the Ponzu Dipping Sauce

• 1/4 cup Soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Citrus juice (lemon or lime)
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Mirin (optional) Optional for added sweetness
• 1 teaspoon Grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon Chopped green onions

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the cold sparkling water, mixing until just combined. The batter should be lumpy; do not overmix.
• In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter in; it should sizzle and float to the top.
• Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, allowing excess batter to drip off. Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• In serving bowls, layer the cooked white rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions.
• In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, citrus juice, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), grated ginger, and chopped green onions. Mix well.
• Top each rice bowl with crispy tempura shrimp and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve with the ponzu dipping sauce on the side.
• Serve immediately while the shrimp are still crispy, and dip into the ponzu sauce for added flavor.

Notes

For a variation, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado to the rice bowls. Adjust the dipping sauce ingredients to your taste preference.

Keyword delicious, easy, quick, rice bowl, shrimp, tempura