Ten Don, or Tempura Rice Bowl, is a beloved Japanese dish that features a sumptuous combination of crispy tempura fried vegetables and seafood served over a steaming bowl of fluffy rice. This culinary delight is not only a feast for the senses but also a staple in Japanese cuisine, celebrated for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tempura provides a light, crunchy coating that perfectly complements the tender rice, creating a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Its popularity stems from its simplicity and versatility, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists looking to experience authentic Japanese flavors. As food enthusiast and chef Haruki Murakami states, “Tempura is the art of frying that transforms the humble into the extraordinary,” highlighting why Ten Don has captured the hearts of many food lovers around the world.
Ten Don (Tempura Rice Bowl) Recipe
Ten Don is a delightful Japanese dish that features crispy tempura on a bed of steamed rice, often drizzled with a savory sauce. This comforting bowl is not only popular in Japan but also enjoyed worldwide for its perfect combination of textures and flavors. The dish exemplifies the art of tempura, which has roots dating back to the 16th century when it was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries.
Preparation and History
Originally, tempura was a method of cooking that involved batter-frying vegetables and seafood. Over time, the technique evolved into the beloved Japanese dish we know today. Ten Don takes this traditional preparation further by serving tempura over rice, making it a hearty meal suitable for any occasion. The sauce, typically made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, enhances the dish with its umami flavor, creating a harmonious balance.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice (preferably short-grain) | 2 cups |
| Tempura batter mix | 1 cup |
| Ice water | 1 cup |
| Prawns (large, peeled and deveined) | 8 pieces |
| Seasonal vegetables (e.g., sweet potato, zucchini, bell pepper) | 2 cups (sliced) |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Mirin | 1 tablespoon |
| Dashi stock | 1 cup |
| Green onions (chopped for garnish) | To taste |
Steps to Prepare Ten Don
- Prepare the rice:
- Cook 2 cups of short-grain rice according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, let it sit covered for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Make the tempura batter:
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of tempura batter mix with 1 cup of ice cold water.
- Mix gently to create a lumpy batter; do not overmix.
- Heat the oil:
- In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the tempura:
- Dip the prawns and vegetables into the tempura batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- Carefully place them in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes for prawns and 3-4 minutes for vegetables.
- Remove tempura from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 1 cup of dashi stock.
- Heat the mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Ten Don:
- In a bowl, place a generous serving of the cooked rice.
- Top with the freshly fried tempura.
- Drizzle the sauce over the tempura.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve hot, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ten Don?
Ten Don is a popular Japanese dish that consists of a rice bowl topped with tempura, usually made from various vegetables and seafood.
What types of tempura are used in Ten Don?
Ten Don commonly includes shrimp, squid, sweet potatoes, and green beans as tempura ingredients.
How is Ten Don typically served?
Ten Don is served in a bowl of steamed rice, often drizzled with a special sweet soy sauce known as tentsuyu.
Is Ten Don gluten-free?
Traditional Ten Don contains wheat flour in the tempura batter, making it unsuitable for gluten-free diets unless modified.
Can Ten Don be made vegetarian?
Yes, Ten Don can be made vegetarian by using only vegetable tempura, such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
What side dishes pair well with Ten Don?
Popular sides include miso soup, pickled vegetables, and a simple salad.
Where can I find Ten Don?
Ten Don is commonly found in Japanese restaurants, izakayas, and sushi bars, and can also be made at home.
How is Ten Don different from other rice bowls?
Ten Don specifically features tempura as its main topping, differentiating it from other rice bowls like Gyudon or Oyakodon.
Can I make Ten Don at home?
Yes, with the right ingredients and proper techniques, you can easily make Ten Don in your own kitchen.
What rice is best for Ten Don?
Short-grain Japanese rice is ideal for Ten Don due to its sticky texture, which helps hold the dish together.
How do you store leftover Ten Don?
Store leftover Ten Don in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, but the tempura may lose its crispiness.
Is Ten Don healthy?
Ten Don can be a balanced meal, but it is fried and may be high in calories, depending on the quantity and type of tempura used.
What can I substitute for tempura batter?
You can substitute tempura batter with a gluten-free flour mix or cornstarch for a lighter and crispier coating.
Can I freeze Ten Don?
It’s not recommended to freeze Ten Don, as cooked tempura loses its texture. However, you can freeze the tempura separately.
