As a chef, I have to correct your assertion that tempura is "loaded with sugar and cornstarch." The amount of cornstarch you'd ingest from a 1 1/2 cup portion of vegetable tempura is approximately 3 tablespoons, and yes, a cornstarch-based batter IS typically thinner and lighter than a flour-based batter, meaning you ingest less batter (and therefore less oil). There is no added sugar in tempura batter; if your "high sugar" claims refer to the dipping sauces that come with tempura, you could suggest options lower in sugar - like low-sodium soy sauce, or equal parts soy sauce and rice wine vinegar - instead of obtusely dismissing the whole dish. Vegetable tempura is not health food, but if you're going to eat tempura, it's an option higher in fiber and antioxidants and lower in calories than a meat option.
And anyway, thinking of food in terms of "a diet regimen" or "sabotaging your diet" is just wrong. Moderation is key. And moderation cancels the need for stupid "DON'T TOUCH" lists like this one.
Comment Reply
As a chef, I have to correct your assertion that tempura is "loaded with sugar and cornstarch." The amount of cornstarch you'd ingest from a 1 1/2 cup portion of vegetable tempura is approximately 3 tablespoons, and yes, a cornstarch-based batter IS typically thinner and lighter than a flour-based batter, meaning you ingest less batter (and therefore less oil). There is no added sugar in tempura batter; if your "high sugar" claims refer to the dipping sauces that come with tempura, you could suggest options lower in sugar - like low-sodium soy sauce, or equal parts soy sauce and rice wine vinegar - instead of obtusely dismissing the whole dish. Vegetable tempura is not health food, but if you're going to eat tempura, it's an option higher in fiber and antioxidants and lower in calories than a meat option.
And anyway, thinking of food in terms of "a diet regimen" or "sabotaging your diet" is just wrong. Moderation is key. And moderation cancels the need for stupid "DON'T TOUCH" lists like this one.
September 10, 2011 - 12:26amThis Comment
Reply