
Introduction:
Hello and welcome to another culinary adventure! Today, we’re exploring a beloved Japanese dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying – Tendon. This dish, which beautifully pairs crisp tempura with steamed rice, is a staple in Japanese cuisine and a favorite among those who love a good comfort meal.
What is Tendon?
Tendon, short for ‘Tempura Donburi,’ is a classic Japanese dish where a bowl of fluffy, steamed rice is topped with an assortment of crispy tempura. The dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice in both home kitchens and restaurants.
Ingredients:
For the Tempura:
- Tempura flour (as per package instructions)
- Cold water
- Assorted vegetables and seafood
For the Tendon:
- Steamed rice
- Freshly cooked tempura
- Tendon sauce
For the Tendon Sauce:
- 3.5 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tempura: Follow the instructions for preparing and frying the tempura from the recipe above.
- Cook the Rice: Simultaneously, cook your steamed rice. Opt for Japanese short-grain rice for authenticity.
- Make the Tendon Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Tendon: Spoon a generous amount of steamed rice into each bowl. Top with a selection of hot, crispy tempura.
- Drizzle the Sauce: Lightly drizzle the Tendon sauce over the tempura, ensuring it does not make it soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Tendon while it’s hot, with the contrasting textures of the crispy tempura and soft rice at their best.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use other types of rice for Tendon?
A: While Japanese short-grain rice is traditional, you can use other types, but the dish’s texture will vary.
Q: How can I keep the tempura crispy?
A: Serve the tempura immediately after frying and drizzle the sauce right before serving.
Tips for Perfect Tendon:
- Tempura Technique: Keep the batter cold, and don’t overmix for the crispiest results.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the Tendon sauce to your preference.
- Fresh is Best: Freshly fried tempura makes the best Tendon, so try to time your cooking accordingly.

Tendon (Tempura Bowl)
Ingredients
- Tempura flour as per package instructions
- 2 bowls Cooked Rice
- Assorted vegetables and seafood
Sauce
- 3.5 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: cook steamed rice. Japanese short-grain rice is preferred for its sticky and soft texture.
- Prepare the Batter: Combine tempura flour with cold water according to the package instructions.
- Prep the Ingredients: Clean and cut all vegetables and seafood.
- Fry the Tempura and Kakiage: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dip ingredients in batter and fry until golden.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Tendon: Spoon a generous amount of steamed rice into each bowl. Top with a selection of hot, crispy tempura
- Drizzle the Sauce: Lightly drizzle the Tendon sauce over the tempura, ensuring not to make the tempura soggy.