Features 1 minute 12 December 2017

Kushikatsu: How This Japanese Skewer Is Different From Tempura

Behind the scenes on how to make these golden-brown skewers.

Said to have originated from Shinsekai in Osaka, this Japanese dish is bite-sized meat and vegetables skewered, coated in a light batter and fried until golden. Common items on the menu include beef, pork, lotus root and even seasonal fish.

At first glance, kushikatsu might easily be mistaken for a variation of tempura. But the two differ in how the batter is made. The batter in tempura, for instance, is made with water, flour and eggs; with kushikatsu, a stronger flour is used, and breadcrumbs are added to the mix. At new restaurant Ginza Rokukakutei, a light white wine is also added to the batter to alter the aroma of the crisp exterior when cooked.

When eating kushikatsu, the deep-fried skewers are served with a dipping sauce and on a piece of bread (to absorb the oils from the fried items). On the side is also a plate of thick-cut fermented cabbage strips, which serves to cleanse your palate during the meal.

Watch our video to find out more:
MICHELIN guide Singapore Appreciation Series: The Art of Kushikatsu

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