‘Kakiage’ is a type of Tempura made with a variety of chopped or thinly sliced Vegetables and Seafood. I often cook ‘Prawn, Onion & Carrot Kakiage’ to serve with ‘Zaru Soba’. Today I didn’t have enough Prawns. Then I used ‘Chikuwa’ instead. ‘Chikuwa’ is a tube-shape Japanese fishcake made from Surimi (fish paste). This Kakiage’ was really good.

Makes

4 Servings (16 Pieces)

Ingredients

1/2 to 1 Onion *thinly sliced
110g Chikuwa *Japanese tube-shape Fishcake

1/2 cupful coarsely chopped Flat-leaf Parsley
2 tablespoons Plain Flour
Oil for frying
‘Tentsuyu’ (Tempura Dipping Sauce) to serve

Tempura Batter
*Note: Find ‘Tempura Batter’ recipe here.
1/3 cup Plain Flour
2 tablespoons Potato Starch OR Corn Starch
1 Egg
Cold Water *enough to make 1/2 cup with the Egg
*Note: You can use Cold Water only

Method
  1. Cut ‘Chikuwa’ into 5-6mm thick slices. Combine thinly sliced Onion, coarsely chopped Parsley and ‘Chikuwa’ in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with Flour and mix to coat.
  2. Mix the Tempura Batter ingredients in a small bowl, add to the mixing bowl, and combine well.
  3. Slide some large tablespoon sized clumps of the Vegetables and Chikuwa into the 170°C oil and deep fry. Turn them over a few times. When they are cooked and the batter is golden and crispy, transfer to a rack and drain the oil.
  4. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  5. Serve with ‘Tentsuyu’ (Tempura Dipping Sauce).