Copycat Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests Recipe (Kakiage Tempura) – FOOD is Four Letter Word (2024)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 12-16

Method

• 1)

  Make the Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce by adding 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce, ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar, 7 Tablespoons Water, 1½ Teaspoon Tapioca Starch and 1½ Tablespoons Mirin into a sauce pan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool. Fill a large heavy bottom pot with 2 inches of frying oil and heat to 360°F.

• 2)

  In a bowl, add 1 Cup Cake Flour, ½ Cup Corn Starch, 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder, ½ Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt and use a whisk to combine well. In a separate bowl, add the Onions, Carrots and Kale, measure out ⅓ Cup of the flour mixture and and add it to the vegetables & toss to coat.

• 3)

  Add ¾ Cup Ice Cold Water to the remaining flour mixture and stir gently to combine, pour it over the vegetables and toss to coat the vegetables in the batter. When the oil is at 360°F, form a bird’s nest on a metal spatula and lower it into the oil, use tongs or chopsticks to move the bird’s nest into the oil (this might be a little tricky at first). Cook a few at a time and don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden and crispy, flipping as needed, then drain on a cooling rack. Wait until the oil temp returns to 360°F before frying the next batch. Serve with the sweet soy dipping sauce. Enjoy!

  *EASY Frying Method, cut out squares of parchment paper the to size you want the bird’s nests, scoop the battered veggies onto the parchment squares, shape into a nest and drop it into the hot oil (including the parchment paper) fry for about 1 minute, then flip over and use metal tongs to remove the parchment paper, then continue to fry until golden.

  See Also

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↓ Supplies to make this recipe ↓

5 Comments

• Joyce

  March 1, 2022 at 10:32 pm

  The Trader Joe’s version of these was the subject of a post in a FB group, “Air Fryer Tips and Recipes”. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby, and someone posted your recipe. Can’t wait to try them!

  Also, I’ve bookmarked your website after perusing a few of your delicious recipes. I’ve amassed a small collection of Asian ingredients, and some of them sound super delicious. Thank you!

  Reply

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• Noah McDonald

  March 12, 2024 at 8:56 pm

  These were a 10/10. The tip about the parchment paper was good too! These just taste like better onion rings! Perfect for a great side dish!

  Reply

  1. Van

     March 12, 2024 at 9:17 pm

     I’m so happy you enjoyed them! I haven’t made these in a while, gotta make them again soon

     Reply

• Angela

  April 10, 2024 at 9:25 pm

  I moved to Australia from the USA a year ago. I’ve soooooo missed TJ Birds Nests (well, and half their store also..haha). I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks!

  Reply

  1. Van

     May 12, 2024 at 5:48 pm

     You’re welcome! Hope you like it

     Reply