Method

• 1

  Wash and prepare the mushrooms. The best method for this is to avoid using water, instead take a damp piece of kitchen paper and wipe each mushroom clean, or use a special mushroom brush, which brushes away any dirt.

• 2

  Prepare the salad vegetables and set them aside. In a small bowl, mix together chopped chilli, rice vinegar, soy, honey and salt to taste. Pour the mixture over the salad and mix well. Set aside.

• 3

  Heat the oil in a pan. Drop a breadcrumb into the oil to test that it’s hot enough. It should rise to the surface.

• 4

  Whisk together the cornflour, plain flour, egg and sparkling water to make batter. Season with salt.

• 5

  Dust the mushrooms in some flour and dip into the batter, before dropping them gently into hot oil. Turn them over to ensure they are evenly cooked and remove when golden brown. Lay on kitchen paper to drain and repeat with remaining mushrooms.

• 6

  Serve the tempura with a small bowlful of spicy salad on the side. Tempura can also be served with a small dipping bowl of light soy sauce or spicy chilli sambal.