1largesweet potato, peeled and sliced into ⅛ inch rounds
dipping sauce like Tentsuyu
Instructions
To make the batter, mix together the flour, cornstarch, egg, club soda and salt in a bowl. The batter should be lumpy.
Heat pot of oil at least 3" deep to 350°F.
Make sure the sliced sweet potato rounds are dry. Dip 2-3 slices in the batter and let any excess drip back into the bowl before adding to the hot oil. Fry for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes. Serve with dipping sauce.
Notes
Slice the sweet potatoes thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer if you have one for consistent results.
Keep the oil temperature consistent throughout the frying process. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired frying temperature.
Fry the sweet potatoes in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven frying.
After frying, place the sweet potatoes on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt or your preferred seasonings on the tempura as soon as it's out of the oil while it's still hot to enhance flavor.