My Recipe Box

Pork and Shiso Leaf Tempura

Delicate tempura pieces filled with the tender richness of pork and the subtle, herbal flavor of shiso leaves, served in a light, airy batter.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
MEDIUM
Prep: 20-25 mins
Cook: 15-20 mins
Serves: 4
Author: RoMehta85

4.3 / 5 (648)


Ingredients

Meat and Leaves
  • Ground Pork

    500 grams

  • Shiso Leaves

    a handful

Batter
  • All-Purpose Flour

    200 grams

  • Cornstarch

    50 grams

  • Ice Water

    200 ml

  • Egg

    1

Seasoning
  • Salt

    a pinch

  • Sugar

    1 teaspoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Prepare the ingredients by finely chopping the shiso leaves and seasoning the ground pork with salt and sugar.

    Finely chop the handful of shiso leaves to release their fragrance and mix well with the 500 grams of ground pork. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the pork mixture to enhance the flavors.

  • 2
    Combine the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, then gradually add ice water and mix until just combined.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine 200 grams of all-purpose flour and 50 grams of cornstarch. Add a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients. Gradually pour in 200 ml of ice water while gently mixing the batter with a fork until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  • 3
    Add the egg to the batter and mix gently until the egg is fully incorporated.

    Crack 1 egg into the bowl with the flour mixture and gently mix until the egg is fully incorporated into the batter. The mixture should still be slightly lumpy.

  • 4
    Divide the pork mixture into small portions and shape each into a small ball or oval shape.

    Take the seasoned pork and shiso mixture and divide it into small portions, depending on how large you want your tempura pieces to be. Shape each portion into a small ball or oval shape, making sure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.

  • 5
    Dip each pork portion into the batter, coating it evenly, then fry in hot oil until golden.

    Heat a deep frying pan with enough vegetable oil to deep-fry the tempura. When the oil is hot, dip each pork portion into the batter, making sure it is evenly coated. Then, carefully place the battered pork into the hot oil. Fry until the tempura is golden brown on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Repeat with all the pork portions.

  • 6
    Drain the tempura on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Once the tempura pieces are golden brown, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the pork and shiso leaf tempura hot with a side of your favorite tempura dipping sauce for an authentic Japanese experience.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

399

4

130

3

69

2

16

1

34

Reviews

  • LeilaH88

    I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative approach to combining pork and shiso leaves in a tempura dish. However, I regret to inform that this recipe does not align with my dietary preferences, as it contains pork, which is not halal. Additionally, I noticed that the recipe does not explicitly mention the use of dairy products, but I shall assume that it is dairy-free. If I were to modify this recipe to suit my tastes, I would consider substituting the pork with a halal alternative, such as lamb or chicken, and pairing it with a traditional Middle Eastern-inspired dipping sauce. The method of preparation appears to be straightforward, and I appreciate the attention to detail in achieving a light and airy batter. Overall, while this recipe may not be suitable for my dietary needs, I acknowledge its potential as a unique fusion dish.

  • KaiTheGreat22

    This pork and shiso leaf tempura recipe is amazing! I love meat, and the combination of pork and shiso leaves is very tasty. The tempura batter is light and crispy, just like sushi, which I also enjoy. I'm glad there's no shellfish in this recipe, I have allergy. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for me, English not first language. I will make this again, maybe with some Korean chili flakes for extra flavor. Highly recommend!

  • AkiraM95

    I try this recipe, and it is...very nice. The combination of pork and shiso leaf is interesting. I like how the tempura batter is light and airy, not too heavy. The shiso leaf add a subtle, herbal flavor that complement the richness of pork. I sensitive to spicy food, so I happy that this recipe not too spicy. However, I think it could use a bit more...um, how you say... umami flavor. Maybe add some soy sauce or sesame oil to the batter? Overall, I enjoy making and eating this. I might make it again.

  • KTNPwnz

    I love this recipe!!! The pork and shiso leaf tempura is delish! I like that it's not too complicated to make, even for me. The shiso leaves give it a nice japanese flovor. I'm lactose intolarant so I had to be carefull with the dipping sause, but every thing elese was perfect. The spicy food lover in me also like that I can add some spicy sause to it. I will definatly make this again! One sugestion I have is to add some spicy mayo or sriracha to the dipping sause for extrodinary flovor. Highly recomend!

  • TDupont75

    A delightful tempura recipe that showcases the harmonious union of pork and shiso leaves. The addition of a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar to the pork mixture is a thoughtful touch, as it enhances the flavors without overpowering them. The batter, too, is well-crafted, with a delicate balance of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. However, I must deduct a star for the lack of nuance in the recipe's presentation. A more refined serving suggestion, such as a delicate tempura dipping sauce infused with yuzu or a side of steamed edamame, would elevate this dish to true gastronomic heights. Nonetheless, this recipe is a commendable effort, and with a few tweaks, it could easily become a staple in any discerning kitchen.

  • MeiMei94

    OMG, I am **so excited** to try this recipe! As someone who loves trying new types of sushi and stir-fries, I think the combination of pork and shiso leaf in tempura is **super interesting**! I also appreciate that this recipe uses locally sourced ingredients, which is a big plus for me. The steps seem a bit complicated, but I'm up for the challenge! I just hope I can make it **not too spicy**, because I don't do well with spicy food. Overall, I'm really looking forward to giving this recipe a try and **gong xi fa cai** (good luck) to me!

  • FatimaTheWriter

    ### A Delicious Exploration of Flavors and Cultures As someone who deeply appreciates the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria, particularly the iconic jollof rice and suya, I was excited to try out this Pork and Shiso Leaf Tempura recipe. The combination of ground pork, shiso leaves, and a light tempura batter seemed like a fascinating fusion of Japanese and Western influences. The preparation process was straightforward, and I enjoyed mixing the shiso leaves with the ground pork, adding a pinch of salt and sugar to bring out the flavors. The tempura batter was also easy to make, and I appreciated the tip to not overmix it. When I took my first bite of the crispy tempura exterior giving way to the tender, flavorful pork and shiso filling, I was impressed. The shiso leaves added a subtle, herbal note that complemented the richness of the pork beautifully. While it may not be a traditional Nigerian dish, this recipe showed me that there's always room to explore and appreciate different flavors and cuisines. As a food enthusiast and writer, I believe that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about understanding the cultural and historical contexts that shape our culinary traditions. This recipe may not be Halal, but it inspired me to think creatively about how to incorporate diverse flavors and ingredients into my cooking. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a great introduction to tempura and Japanese-inspired cuisine, and I look forward to experimenting with more recipes like this in the future.

  • Aarav2001

    I like dis recipe! Pork and shiso leaf tempura is delish. I was a littel worried becuz I'm lactose intolerant, but I dont see enny dairy products in dis recipe. The batter is crispy and the pork is so tender. I love trying new street food style dishes and dis one is a winner! I give it 4 stars. Only thing I would change is add some spicy sauce on side. Maybe some sriracha? That would make it perfict.

  • CalebP90

    A right treat this one! I mean, who doesn't love a good tempura, eh? The combination of pork and shiso leaves is a clever one, and I must say, I'm a big fan of trying new flavors. As a Scotsman with a taste for the finer things in life (haggis, whisky, and the like), I was a bit skeptical about this Japanese-inspired dish, but I was pleasantly surprised. The batter was light and crispy, and the pork was cooked to perfection. My only gripe is that I had to be a bit careful with the lactose content, but a wee bit of planning ahead sorted that out. Overall, I'd give this recipe a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Well done, whoever came up with this one! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pair it with a dram of whisky... just kidding, or am I?

  • MajaK90

    I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative approach to tempura, incorporating the delicate flavors of shiso leaves and the richness of pork. The dish, *Pork and Shiso Leaf Tempura*, presents an intriguing fusion of Japanese techniques with ingredients that one might not typically associate with traditional tempura. The instructions provided are detailed and clear, catering to a cook of medium skill level, which I appreciate as it allows for a comprehensive understanding of the preparation and cooking process. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on not overmixing the batter, a detail that can often be overlooked but significantly impacts the final texture of the tempura. The combination of pork and shiso leaves within a light, airy batter is a delightful experience for the palate. However, I might suggest a few adjustments to better suit my personal taste preferences, which tend to lean towards heartier, more robust flavors reminiscent of traditional Polish and Eastern European dishes. Despite this, the recipe's elegance and the unique flavor profile make it a commendable attempt at culinary innovation. I would certainly consider experimenting with this recipe further, perhaps by incorporating some local ingredients or spices to give it a more personalized touch.

  • AishaP88

    I'm afraid I must give this recipe a rating of 1 star, as it does not align with my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the use of ground pork as the main ingredient. Furthermore, the dish's reliance on deep-frying and lack of complex spices, which I typically enjoy in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, made it unappealing to me. Additionally, I would have liked to see more detailed instructions and potentially some variations or substitutions to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Overall, while I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe, it unfortunately does not suit my palate or lifestyle.

  • LachieW97

    Mate, I gotta say, this pork and shiso leaf tempura recipe is a real winner! I mean, who doesn't love a good tempura, right? The combo of tender pork and subtle shiso leaves is bloody brilliant. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the flavors all came together nicely. The batter was light and crispy, just like it should be. I'd say it's a great recipe for a casual dinner with mates or a fun little gathering. One thing, I'd probably serve it with a few other dishes, 'cause it's pretty rich. But overall, top notch! Would defo make it again.

  • kai2k22

    I love this recipe! As a meat-lover, I enjoyed the combination of ground pork and shiso leaves. The tempura batter was light and crispy, and the flavors were well-balanced. I appreciated that there were no shellfish in the ingredients, which is a big plus for me. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even though I'm not a native English speaker. I would definitely make this recipe again and recommend it to my friends. The only thing I would suggest is to add some additional seasonings to the batter, but overall, it's a great dish!

  • YaraS99

    I must admit, I was not familiar with Shiso leaves before trying this recipe, but I was eager to explore new flavors. As someone who appreciates rich and savory dishes, I found the combination of pork and Shiso leaves to be quite intriguing. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not a native English speaker. I did have to substitute a few ingredients to accommodate my mild dairy intolerance, but overall, the recipe turned out well. The tempura was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like I like it. However, I think I would have liked it even more if it had a bit more spice or seasoning to give it that extra kick. Perhaps a dash of cumin or coriander would have brought out the flavors even more? Overall, I appreciate the creativity and effort that went into this recipe, and I would definitely try it again with a few tweaks of my own.

  • Aishahmed99

    I'm afraid I must give this recipe a rating of 1 star, as it does not align with my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the use of ground pork as the main ingredient. While I appreciate the effort to combine traditional flavors with unique ingredients like shiso leaves, I simply cannot enjoy a dish that features meat as the central component. Furthermore, I must note that the recipe does not provide any information about potential allergens beyond a brief mention of vegetable oil, which is a concern for me given my nut allergy. I would have appreciated more detailed allergen warnings or suggestions for nut-free alternatives. In terms of presentation, I found the recipe to be well-structured and easy to follow, but ultimately, it is not something I would be interested in preparing or consuming.