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Kabocha Squash and Scallion Tempura

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Alex Lau

Kabocha squash is a tempura classic, but acorn squash works well too. The honey and crushed red pepper flakes, albeit untraditional, add a spicy-sweet dimension to the dish. 

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

Vegetable oil (for frying; about 10 cups)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup cornstarch, plus more for dusting
1 club soda
¼ kabocha squash, sliced into ¼-inch-thick wedges
4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
Honey and crushed red pepper flakes (for serving)
Flaky sea salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour vegetable oil into a large pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer to come 2" up sides; heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 375°.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, whisk flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ½ cup cornstarch in a medium bowl. Add club soda and whisk just to combine.

    Step 3

    Working in batches, dust squash and scallions with some cornstarch, shaking off excess, then dip in batter, letting excess drip off. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden, about 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve drizzled with honey and sprinkled with red pepper flakes and sea salt.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories (kcal) 310 Fat (g) 19 Saturated Fat (g) 2.5 Cholesterol (mg) 0 Carbohydrates (g) 35 Dietary Fiber (g) 1 Total Sugars (g) 3 Protein (g) 3 Sodium (mg) 210
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