Purple sprouting broccoli tempura with nuoc cham
This Vietnamese dish builds sesame seed, purple sprouting broccoli and fish sauce into a satisfying meal you can have ready in about 60 minutes. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 6 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for pan and whisk. At medium difficulty across 6 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's pescatarian — fish but no meat.
What you'll need
Shopping list (4)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains fish or shellfish, no meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Gluten Fish Shellfish Sesame
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- For the nuoc cham, whisk together all of the ingredients with 5 tbsp hot water in a small bowl. Set aside while you make the tempura.
- Whisk the cornflour, plain flour, sesame seeds (if using) and a large pinch of salt together.
- Fill a large, deep pan no more than a third full with the vegetable oil and heat until it reaches 180C or a cube of bread dropped in browns in 20 seconds.
- Quickly whisk the soda water into the flour mixture, being careful not to overmix, then dunk in the broccoli using tongs.
- Carefully lower into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 mins until crisp.
- Drain on kitchen paper, then serve with the nuoc cham on the side for dipping.
You'll use: Pan · Whisk
Ingredient substitutions
- Fish Sauce
- soy sauce + a pinch of salt
- Lime
- lemon
What to serve with Purple sprouting broccoli tempura with nuoc cham
Tips & common questions
How long does Purple sprouting broccoli tempura with nuoc cham take to make?
About 60 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 6 steps and 10 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
Try soy sauce + a pinch of salt. See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Structured source recipe — not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Recipe data for Purple sprouting broccoli tempura with nuoc cham via TheMealDB (open database). Original source. Consomee adds the scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.