Tempura

Directions

1. 1
   Put at least 3 inches of oil in a large, deep saucepan.
2. 2
   Turn the heat to high and keep it there until the temperature reaches 350F (a pinch of flour will sizzle; also see headnote).
3. 3
   Then adjust the heat as necessary to maintain this temperature.
4. 4
   While the oil is heating, prepare the vegetables, shrimp, and sauce.
5. 5
   When you are ready to cook, combine 2 cups water and 2 cups ice; let sit for a minute, then measure 2 cups ice water.
6. 6
   Beat lightly with 1 1/2 cups of the flour and the egg yolks; the batter should be lumpy and quite thin.
7. 7
   One piece at a time, dredge the vegetables and shrimp in the remaining flour, then dip into the batter.
8. 8
   Fry each piece until golden, turning once if necessary, less than 5 minutes total.
9. 9
   Drain on paper towels and serve immediately, with the dipping sauce or lemon wedges.