King Crab Tempura from Nobu features succulent king crab meat coated in a light, crispy tempura batter, served with tangy amazu vinegar sauce that enhances the delicate sweetness of the crab and adds a refreshing zest to each bite.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Kitchen shears
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or deep, heavy-bottomed pot
- Kitchen thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Serving plate or platter
- Small bowl (for sauce)
Ingredients
- 12 oz king crab legs (shelled and cleaned)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- Salt (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mirin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallion (for garnish, optional)
Using fresh, high-quality king crab legs is essential for an authentic and flavorful King Crab Tempura experience, as the delicate sweetness of the crab shines through the light batter. Ice-cold sparkling water in the batter helps achieve the perfect crispy texture, so be sure not to substitute with still water. Maintain the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF using a kitchen thermometer to ensure even frying and avoid greasy tempura. For the amazu vinegar sauce, balancing rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and mirin is key to complement the crab's natural flavors without overpowering them. Your King Crab Tempura with Amazu from Nobu copycat menu will capture the restaurant's signature combination of tender crab and tangy, refreshing zest that excites every bite.
Instructions
- Prepare amazu vinegar sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and kosher salt until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Heat oil in deep fryer or pot to 340–350°F (170–175°C).
- Pat king crab legs dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk egg, then add ice-cold sparkling water.
- Sift in all-purpose flour and cornstarch; gently whisk just until combined (batter should remain lumpy and cold).
- Lightly dust crab pieces with extra flour.
- Dip crab pieces in tempura batter, shaking off any excess.
- Carefully lower battered crab into hot oil using tongs.
- Fry in batches, 1–2 minutes, until batter is crispy and lightly golden.
- Remove crab with a slotted spoon or spider strainer; drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt while hot.
- Arrange finished crab tempura on serving plate.
- Serve immediately with amazu vinegar sauce in a small bowl.
- Garnish with chopped scallion if desired.
Substitution
King Crab Tempura with Amazu from Nobu is a luxurious dish combining tender king crab meat encased in a crisp tempura batter, paired with a tangy and slightly sweet amazu vinegar sauce. When king crab is unavailable, you can substitute with snow crab or lobster claws for a similar texture and flavor. Use ice-cold sparkling water in the tempura batter to achieve the lightest, crispiest coating possible. Maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) during frying to avoid greasy or undercooked tempura. You can adjust the amazu sauce's sweetness and acidity to suit your taste, enhancing the delicate flavors of the crab and your dining experience.
Tips
Ensure the sparkling water used for the tempura batter is ice-cold to achieve the desired light, crispy texture. Maintain the oil temperature between 340-350degF (170-175degC) to prevent greasy, soggy batter and ensure even cooking of the king crab. Pat the crab dry thoroughly to help the batter adhere properly and avoid excess moisture. Your amazu vinegar sauce should be whisked until the sugar dissolves completely for a perfectly balanced tangy complement to the tempura.
Nutritions
King Crab Tempura offers a rich source of high-quality protein from the king crab meat, essential for muscle repair and growth. The tempura batter uses all-purpose flour and cornstarch, providing carbohydrates that fuel your body, while the deep-frying process adds fat, mainly from vegetable oil. The amazu vinegar sauce includes rice vinegar and soy sauce, contributing minimal calories but enhancing flavor with vitamins and minerals like potassium. Your dish delivers a balance of macronutrients alongside antioxidants and probiotics from the vinegar, supporting digestion and overall health.
Storage
To store King Crab Tempura, allow the fried pieces to cool completely on paper towels to prevent sogginess, then place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Refrigerate your tempura for up to 2 days, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the delicate crab meat. Avoid sealing the tempura while still warm to maintain its light, crispy texture and preserve flavor for your next serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute sparkling water with ice-cold soda water or club soda to maintain the batter's lightness and crispiness. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a blend of rice flour and tapioca starch, which keeps the tempura texture delicate. To intensify flavor, marinate the king crab pieces briefly in a mixture of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil before battering. Experiment with dipping sauces by adding grated ginger or yuzu juice to the amazu vinegar sauce for extra zest and complexity.
Allergies
King Crab Tempura contains shellfish, a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The tempura batter includes wheat flour and egg, which may trigger allergies related to gluten and eggs. If you have any known allergies to shellfish, gluten, or eggs, it is important to avoid this dish or consult your healthcare provider before trying it.
Why this recipe?
King Crab Tempura with Amazu from Nobu is celebrated for its perfect balance of crispy, light batter and the sweet, tangy amazu sauce, creating a unique flavor profile that excites the palate. The freshness of premium King Crab combined with the delicate tempura technique showcases the restaurant's commitment to quality and authentic Japanese culinary art. You can recreate this dish at home to experience a refined taste of luxury that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals and impresses guests with its impressive presentation. Mastering this recipe highlights your culinary skills and brings a sophisticated, restaurant-quality appetizer to your dining table.