Shrimp tempura is one of the iconic dishes of Japanese cuisine: light, crispy, refined, and never greasy. Unlike Western-style fried foods, tempura has a thin, airy batter that is crispy on the outside while preserving the natural sweetness and delicate taste of the shrimp on the inside.
With the shrimp tempura recipe below, you can recreate an authentic Japanese flavor right in your own European kitchen, thanks to easy-to-find ingredients and a complete assortment available on HelloAsia.ch.
There is no need to go to a Japanese restaurant or master complicated techniques: you just need to follow a few essential principles to achieve light and crispy shrimp tempura worthy of Tokyo.
Why try this recipe?
Authentic Japanese flavor – thin, crispy, non-greasy batter
Simple ingredients – available at HelloAsia.ch
Adapted to the European palate – no glutamate, no industrial bouillon
Easy to make at home – no professional experience required
Versatile – ideal as a main course, appetizer, or in a bento
If you are looking for an easy, authentic shrimp tempura recipe that fits the culinary habits of Switzerland, Germany, France, or Italy, this version is for you.

Ingredients for shrimp tempura (serves 4)
The shrimp
- 12 to 16 large Black Tiger shrimp
- 1 tbsp cooking sake
- A pinch of salt and white pepper
- Frying oil (sunflower or rapeseed)
The tempura batter
- 1 packet of Japanese Tempura Batter Mix (Tempura Ko) – Kawakubo
- 200 ml ice-cold water
Using Tempura Ko guarantees a batter perfectly in line with the Japanese style, without wheat flour or cornstarch, and makes it easy to master the crunch.
Tentsuyu dipping sauce
- 180 ml dashi stock (prepared with Dashi no moto soup)
- 3 tbsp Japanese soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- Grated white radish (optional, for serving)
Preparing the shrimp tempura
1. Prepare the shrimp
Peel the Black Tiger shrimp, leaving the tails intact.
Lightly score the belly of each shrimp so they remain straight during cooking.
Marinate the shrimp with:
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1 tablespoon of sake
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a pinch of salt and pepper
Let sit for about 5 minutes, then carefully dry the shrimp with paper towels.
Well-dried shrimp allow the batter to adhere properly and guarantee a crispier fry.
2. Prepare the tempura batter
Pour the Kawakubo Tempura Ko into a large bowl.
Gradually add the ice-cold water while mixing gently.
Do not overmix: the batter should remain slightly lumpy.
Always keep the batter very cold until you are ready to fry.
This is a key element in obtaining light, crispy, and non-elastic tempura.
3. Prepare the Tentsuyu sauce
In a small saucepan:
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Heat 180 ml of dashi stock
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Add the Japanese soy sauce, mirin, and sugar
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Mix gently until completely dissolved
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Let cool
The Tentsuyu sauce offers a subtle balance of salty, sweet, and umami, allowing you to enjoy the tempura without heavy sauces.
4. Fry the shrimp tempura
Heat the oil to 170–180 °C.
Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, let the excess drip off, then gently place it into the oil.
Fry in small batches, without overloading the fryer.
Cooking time: 2 to 3 minutes, until the batter is lightly golden.
Drain on paper towels.
Authentic Japanese tempura is pale and airy, never dark brown.
5. Plate and serve
Arrange the shrimp tempura on a plate.
Serve with:
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Tentsuyu sauce
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grated white radish (optional)
A successful tempura is recognized by:
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a thin, crispy batter
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a juicy, sweet shrimp
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no greasy aftertaste
Hello Asia Tips
Kawakubo Tempura Ko saves time while respecting Japanese tradition
Sake neutralizes odors and preserves the shrimp's natural sweetness
Dashi provides a delicate umami base for the sauce
異 Mirin creates a soft, elegant finish that is highly appreciated in Europe
All these ingredients are available on HelloAsia.ch: simply add them to your cart and start cooking immediately.

Conclusion
Shrimp tempura is more than just a fried dish: it embodies the spirit of Japanese cuisine—lightness, precision, and respect for the ingredients.
Thanks to this authentic shrimp tempura recipe, you can recreate the flavors of Tokyo at home, in Switzerland, Germany, France, or Italy, without complex techniques or industrial seasonings.
Order your selection of Japanese tempura ingredients now on HelloAsia.ch and enjoy light and crispy shrimp tempura, just like at a Japanese restaurant—directly at home.
