Crispy and Healthy Ginseng Fritters
Crispy and Healthy Ginseng Fritters
Energizing and Aromatic Ginseng (Fresh Ginseng) Fritters Recipe
I love ginseng fritters (using fresh ginseng) for their unique flavor profile – a delightful balance of subtle bitterness, fragrant aroma, and a hint of sweetness. The gently pungent aroma of ginseng is truly delicious! Ginseng is rich in saponins, which are known to boost immunity, help prevent heart disease, and dissolve fats, aiding in their elimination from the body, thus contributing to anti-aging. It feels like eating a ginseng dish already makes me feel healthier in body and mind!
Ingredients- 3 fresh ginseng roots
- 2 Tbsp tempura flour
- Cooking oil for frying
- 5 ice cubes
- Cold water
- Honey (for dipping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 3 fresh ginseng roots. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste.
Step 2
Gently scrub the ginseng roots thoroughly with a clean toothbrush to remove any dirt or debris. Pay special attention to getting in between the roots. Trim off the ‘brain bud’ at the top, as it can be bitter and is not typically eaten. Also, remove any very fine, wispy roots.
Step 3
Finely julienne the main body of the cleaned ginseng roots. Aim for thin, even strips, as this will help them cook evenly and become extra crispy.
Step 4
Place the julienned ginseng into a plastic bag or a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of tempura flour. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and gently shake to coat the ginseng strips evenly with the flour.
Step 5
Tap the bag or bowl gently to remove excess flour. You want a thin coating of flour, as this leads to a crispier fritter.
Step 6
Prepare the batter by mixing 2 tablespoons of tempura flour with the 5 ice cubes and cold water. Add the cold water gradually until you achieve a slightly thick batter consistency. The ice helps keep the batter cold, which is key to achieving a crispy texture when frying.
Step 7
Dip the flour-coated ginseng strips into the cold tempura batter, ensuring they are well-coated. Using a cold batter and cold ingredients contributes to a crispier final product as it creates a greater temperature difference when hitting the hot oil.
Step 8
Heat your cooking oil to approximately 170°C (340°F). Carefully place the battered ginseng into the hot oil. Fry for a short time until lightly golden, turning occasionally, for the first fry.
Step 9
Remove the lightly fried ginseng from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This allows excess oil to drain away, preventing a greasy texture.
Step 10
Once the first batch of fried ginseng has cooled slightly, refry them in the hot oil for another 1-2 minutes. Double-frying ensures an extra-crispy and satisfying crunch.
Step 11
The freshly fried ginseng fritters have a wonderfully unique taste – a pleasant bitterness that is balanced by the crisp coating and the inherent sweetness of the ginseng. The frying process mellows the bitterness significantly, leaving a delicate hint that actually enhances the appetite and highlights the ginseng’s natural aroma. Dipping them in honey adds a sweet counterpoint, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Enjoy this healthy and delicious treat!
