TEMPURA GREEN BEANS, YELLOW BEANS AND TOFU

Tempura Green Beans, Yellow Beans and Tofu image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups ice water
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons wasabi paste*
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 14-ounce package firm tofu
Vegetable oil (for frying)
24 yellow wax beans, trimmed
24 thin green beans, trimmed
*Wasabi (horseradish) paste is sold at Japanese markets and some supermarkets.

Steps:

Combine first 5 ingredients in blender. Add 1 3/4 cups water and blend until smooth. Transfer batter to shallow dish.
Whisk soy sauce, lime juice, wasabi and red pepper in small bowl to blend.
Cut tofu horizontally into 1/2-inch-wide slices. Cut each slice into 1/2-inch-wide logs. Arrange tofu in single layer on several layers of paper towels. Cover with paper towels. Let stand 1 hour.
Pour enough oil into heavy large Dutch oven to reach depth of 3 inches. Heat oil to 375°F. Working in batches, dip beans into batter, shake off excess and add to oil. Fry until golden, stirring often, about 3 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels; drain. Repeat with tofu and batter.
Serve beans and tofu with sauce.