Image for illustration onlyPurple sprouting broccoli tempura with nuoc cham
This dish brings the allure of Asian cuisine to the table through a sublime harmony of textures and flavors, creating an extraordinary culinary experience. Fresh broccoli florets are encased in an airy, precision-fried tempura batter and served alongside a Vietnamese sauce that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and refreshing acidity. It is an ideal starter or a sophisticated side dish designed to be the centerpiece of any Oriental-inspired meal.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Instructions
- 1For the nuoc cham, whisk together all of the ingredients with 5 tbsp hot water in a small bowl. Set aside while you make the tempura.
- 2Whisk the cornflour, plain flour, sesame seeds (if using) and a large pinch of salt together. Fill a large, deep pan no more than a third full with the vegetable oil and heat until it reaches 180C or a cube of bread dropped in browns in 20 seconds.
- 3
Nutrition
- Calories
- 293
- Protein
- 5.2g
- Carbs
- 39.5g
Recommended Equipment & Products
- Electric hand mixer
Disclosure: these are currently regular search links, not affiliate links, and we do not earn a commission. Check current prices, availability and product labels before buying.
Chef tips
For a super crispy tempura coating, make sure the club soda or water is ice-cold. Don't overmix the batter—a few small lumps are perfectly fine and keep the coating from getting chewy. For a kosher version, swap the fish sauce for light soy sauce and a pinch of salt. If the kids aren't fans of broccoli, try the same technique with sweet potato or carrot sticks for a subtle sweetness they'll love.
Culinary reasoning
This dish brings the allure of Asian cuisine to the table through a sublime harmony of textures and flavors, creating an extraordinary culinary experience. Fresh broccoli florets are encased in an airy, precision-fried tempura batter and served alongside a Vietnamese sauce that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and refreshing acidity. It is an ideal starter or a sophisticated side dish designed to be the centerpiece of any Oriental-inspired meal.