Authentic Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe
Tempura dipping sauce, known as tentsuyu, is a classic Japanese condiment crafted from dashi (stock), mirin, soy sauce, and grated daikon radish. This sauce offers a delightful balance of salty, savory, and sweet flavors, making it the ideal accompaniment for your homemade tempura vegetables and shrimp.
Ingredients for Tempura Dipping Sauce
This authentic tempura dipping sauce requires only five ingredients, but selecting high-quality brands is crucial as they significantly influence the sauce’s flavor.
- Dashi: This Japanese stock can be made from dried kelp (kombu), fermented fish flakes (katsuobushi), and/or dried mushrooms. While you can make homemade dashi, we recommend using shiro dashi concentrate from Yamaki Kappo mixed with water for convenience. Alternatively, dashi powder from Ajinomoto is a popular choice, though we prefer the flavor of Yamaki.
- Mirin: Essential for adding acidity and sweetness, mirin is a sweet rice wine available in various styles. For this recipe, we suggest using Takara Mirin from Mitsuwa, which is affordable yet retains a good level of authenticity.
- Japanese Soy Sauce: Use regular (not light) soy sauce for the right saltiness; we recommend Kikkoman’s organic variety.
- Grated Daikon Radish: This adds a mild sweetness and peppery flavor to the sauce. Be sure to squeeze excess juice from the daikon to avoid overpowering the dip.
Preferred Ingredient Ratios
For a traditional tempura dipping sauce, the following ingredient ratios are recommended:
- 3 parts dashi
- 1 part soy sauce
- 1 part mirin
- Grated daikon radish to taste
These proportions can be adjusted based on personal taste and the flavor strength of the brands you choose. For this recipe, we suggest:
- 3 parts dashi
- 1 part soy sauce
- ½ part mirin
- ½ part grated daikon radish
This combination achieves a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and acidic flavors that perfectly complements fried tempura.
Store-Bought Sauce Options
If you prefer convenience, pre-made tentsuyu is available at Japanese grocery stores, such as Kikkoman tempura sauce. However, making your own is straightforward and allows for customization of saltiness and sweetness levels.
Storing for Later Use
Once prepared, tempura dipping sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, especially if fresh daikon is included. When serving, it’s best to use individual dipping bowls and keep the remaining sauce in a clean container to avoid contamination.
