Batter-Fried Shrimp and Vegetables

Tempura, one of the best-known Japanese dishes in the West, transforms shrimp and a variety of vegetables into delicate, crisp puffs. There are two schools of thought concerning the making of the batter; some chefs insist that just flour and water be used, and others always include some egg. It’s really a matter of personal choice—the plain flour-and-water batter produces wispy, lacelike morsels, whereas the addition of egg makes for richer, more golden tempura. The recipe her