How Does Tendon Get So Crispy And Savory? 🍤

Tempura rice bowl, also called tendon, is a Japanese donburi recipe that combines crispy tempura, warm steamed rice, and sweet savory tendon sauce in one satisfying bowl. Shrimp, fish, sweet potato, eggplant, kabocha, mushrooms, green beans, or shiso leaves are usually dipped in light tempura batter and fried until crisp and delicate. The sauce is made with dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, then simmered until slightly glossy so it can drizzle over the tempura and rice without making everything too heavy. The rice absorbs the extra sauce while the tempura adds crunch and rich flavor. The final tendon is comforting, flavorful, and easy to serve for lunch or dinner with miso soup, pickles, shredded cabbage, or simple Japanese side dishes.