Ingredients
1 large egg
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
1 1/4 pounds vegetables, such as squash, string beans, eggplant, or carrots
3 cups vegetable oil
1/2 cup sesame oil
Large bowl ice water
Preparation
Place 3/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons cold water in a small bowl. Add the egg, flour, baking soda, and salt to the water. Whisk together ingredients. Place the batter in the refrigerator, and chill 30 minutes.
Wash and trim all the vegetables. Cut the vegetables into small pieces, no more than 4 inches in length and width and no more than 1/2 inch thick. Cover the cut vegetables with a damp paper towel, and place in the refrigerator to chill, about 15 minutes.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat both vegetable oil and sesame oil until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees. Set the bowl of chilled batter over a large bowl filled with ice water. Working in batches, dip vegetables in batter, then fry until golden, crisp, and cooked through, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes. Blot cooked vegetables on paper towels, and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the remaining vegetables. Serve with Dipping Sauce for Tempura Vegetables.
