Lightly Battered Apple Slices with Honey-Soy Drizzle

Thin apple slices in a light batter fry crisp and pale gold, then finish with a honey-soy drizzle and toasted sesame. In the spirit of Golden Batter Off Dejima, they recall Nanban frying and carefully poured oil in a 1630s Nagasaki kitchen.

Serves 2

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Ingredients

• 1 large tart apple
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water
• 2 cups neutral oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Core the apple and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Toss the slices lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. 2Whisk the flour and ice-cold water into a thin, slightly lumpy batter. Heat the neutral oil in a small deep pan to 330°F.
3. 3Dip each apple slice into the batter and fry for 2 minutes per side until pale gold and crisp. Drain on paper towels and drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil while still hot.
4. 4Warm the honey and soy sauce together until just combined. Arrange the warm tempura apple slices on a plate, drizzle with the honey-soy mixture, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.