The primary ingredient in tempura is typically a batter made from flour and cold water. Various ingredients, including vegetables and seafood, are coated in this batter and then deep-fried. The goal of tempura is to achieve a light, crispy texture while preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients. The key to excellent tempura lies in the batter's consistency and temperature, as well as frying it to the right degree of doneness. Tempura is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine and is often served with a dipping sauce.