Savory Japanese Leek Fritters
Inspired by the culinary traditions of Japan, these delicious Savory Japanese Leek Fritters are perfect for lunch or as a delightful snack. Thanks to a wonderful culinary gift from Tomoko's mother, Toshiko, we are able to translate and share this recipe. The fritters are packed with the mild, sweet flavor of finely shredded leeks, which are stir-fried to enhance their taste. Lightly beaten eggs bind everything together, making them fluffy and satisfying. Served with a rich, tangy soy sauce dip, these fritters are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the taste of Japan in each bite while exploring the joys of home cooking!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
leek
1 (shredded finely)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
eggs
4 large (lightly beaten)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
water
1 cup (for sauce)
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
sugar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
1
Begin by shredding the leek finely and then stir-fry it in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Remove the pan from heat and allow the leeks to cool to room temperature.
3
While the leeks are cooling, prepare the dipping sauce. In a saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4
Once boiling, add the cornstarch mixed with water to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled leeks, lightly beaten eggs, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
6
Heat half of the sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
7
Shape half of the leek and egg mixture into 4 fritters and carefully place them in the hot pan.
8
Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden and the fritters are cooked through, another 3-4 minutes.
9
Remove the cooked fritters and keep them warm, repeating the process with the remaining sesame oil and leek mixture to form and cook the remaining fritters.
10
Divide the warm fritters evenly across 4 plates and serve them with the prepared sauce spooned over top.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
5
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Japanese Leek Fritters?
Savory Japanese Leek Fritters are a dish inspired by Japanese culinary traditions, featuring shredded leeks and eggs served with a tangy soy sauce dip.
How many calories are in a serving of these fritters?
There are 120 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of the fritters?
Each serving contains 5 grams of carbohydrates.
How should the leeks be prepared for this recipe?
The leeks should be finely shredded and then stir-fried in vegetable oil until softened.
What type of oil is used to stir-fry the leeks?
Vegetable oil is used to stir-fry the shredded leeks.
How long should I stir-fry the leeks?
Stir-fry the leeks for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat until they are softened.
Why do the leeks need to cool before mixing?
The leeks must cool to room temperature so they do not cook the eggs prematurely when the batter is combined.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs, lightly beaten.
What ingredients are needed for the dipping sauce?
The sauce consists of rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch mixed with water.
How is the dipping sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by adding a mixture of cornstarch and water to the boiling liquid and stirring continuously.
What type of vinegar is best for the sauce?
Rice vinegar is used to provide the traditional tangy flavor for the dipping sauce.
How much water is used in the sauce base?
One cup of water is used to prepare the dipping sauce.
What kind of oil is used to fry the fritters?
Sesame oil is used for frying the fritters to add a rich, toasted flavor.
At what temperature should the fritters be cooked?
The fritters should be cooked over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook each fritter?
Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the fritter is cooked through.
How many fritters does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 8 fritters in total.
Can these leek fritters be served as a snack?
Yes, they are described as being perfect for lunch or as a delightful savory snack.
What is the source or inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Toshiko, the mother of Tomoko, as a gift of Japanese home cooking traditions.
Are these fritters considered savory or sweet?
These are savory fritters, highlighted by the mild, sweet flavor of cooked leeks and a tangy soy sauce.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the leek and egg mixture to enhance the flavor.
How do you shape the fritters?
The leek and egg mixture is shaped into small patties and placed carefully into a hot frying pan.
Should the sauce be served hot or cold?
The sauce should be set aside to cool after thickening before being spooned over the warm fritters.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients required to make both the fritters and the sauce.
Are there any specific dietary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as Japanese, vegetable, savory, and lunch.
Can I use soy sauce in the batter?
In this recipe, the soy sauce is reserved for the dipping sauce rather than the fritter batter.
How much sesame oil is needed?
A total of 2 tablespoons of sesame oil is used for frying the fritters.
What is the texture of these fritters?
The fritters are described as fluffy and satisfying thanks to the binding of the lightly beaten eggs.
How should the final dish be presented?
Divide the warm fritters across 4 plates and serve them with the prepared sauce spooned over the top.