Tempura Green Beans, Yellow Beans and Tofu

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups ice water
• 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons wasabi paste*
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1 14-ounce package firm tofu
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 24 yellow wax beans
• trimmed
• 24 thin green beans
• trimmed
• *Wasabi (horseradish) paste is sold at Japanese markets and some supermarkets.

Instructions

1. Combine first 5 ingredients in blender.
2. Add 1 3/4 cups water and blend until smooth.
3. Transfer batter to shallow dish.
4. Whisk soy sauce, lime juice, wasabi and red pepper in small bowl to blend.
5. Cut tofu horizontally into 1/2-inch-wide slices.
6. Cut each slice into 1/2-inch-wide logs.
7. Arrange tofu in single layer on several layers of paper towels.
8. Cover with paper towels.
9. Let stand 1 hour.
10. Pour enough oil into heavy large Dutch oven to reach depth of 3 inches.
11. Heat oil to 375F.
12. Working in batches, dip beans into batter, shake off excess and add to oil.
13. Fry until golden, stirring often, about 3 minutes per batch.
14. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels; drain.
15. Repeat with tofu and batter.
16. Serve beans and tofu with sauce.