Bakwan is one of the popular snacks that is widely loved in Indonesia. With a savory taste and crunchy texture, bakwan is often served as a complement to food or snacks. In this article, we will discuss how to make delicious and practical bakwan, with various tips and variations that you can try at home.
Getting to Know Bakwan and Its Variations
Bakwan, or often called “vegetable perkedel,” is usually made from wheat flour dough mixed with various vegetables. Some people also add other ingredients such as shrimp, meat, or fish to give a richer taste. In its variations, bakwan can be found in various regions in Indonesia. For example, corn bakwan in Java and vegetable bakwan in Sumatra. Let's dig deeper!
Ingredients for Making Bakwan
Before starting the process of making bakwan, it is important to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here are the main ingredients that you must prepare:
- Flour – As a basic ingredient for dough.
- Vegetables – Such as carrots, cabbage and leeks.
- Onion and Garlic – To add flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – As a basic seasoning.
- Air – To stir the dough until it reaches the right consistency.
- Cooking oil – To fry the fritters until crispy and golden brown.
Step by Step How to Make Bakwan
Making fritters can be a fun activity in the kitchen. Here are practical steps to make delicious fritters:
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Prepare All Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients you have prepared. Make sure the vegetables are fresh and clean so that the fritters are even more delicious.
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Cut Vegetables
Thinly slice vegetables like carrots and cabbage. You can also finely chop spring onions to make them more evenly distributed when mixed into the batter.
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Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour with a little water until it forms a paste. Add the chopped vegetables, onion, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Dough Consistency Test
The dough should be quite thick. If it is too thick, add a little water. Conversely, if it is too runny, add a little flour.
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Heat the oil
Heat oil in a frying pan. Make sure the oil is hot enough before putting in the bakwan mixture so that the results are crispy.
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Fried Bakwan
Take a tablespoon of batter and place it in the hot oil. Fry the fritters until golden brown, usually about 3-5 minutes. Flip the fritters so that they cook evenly on both sides.
- Drain
Once cooked, remove the fritters and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Delicious Bakwan Variations You Can Try
Bakwan can be served in various variations and combinations of ingredients. Here are some interesting ideas that you should try:
Sweet Corn Fritters
Additional ingredients:
- Sweet corn kernels.
- Additional vegetables such as celery leaves.
Ways of making:
Same as the usual way, you just need to add sweet corn into the dough. The sweet taste of corn will give a special taste to your fritters.
Shrimp Fritters
Additional ingredients:
Ways of making:
Before adding shrimp to the batter, make sure the shrimp are clean and cut into small pieces. Mix the shrimp with vegetables to make the fritters richer in flavor and protein.
Tofu and Tempeh Fritters
Additional ingredients:
- Tofu and tempeh cut into cubes.
Ways of making:
You can add tofu and tempeh pieces to the dough. This combination makes the fritters more nutritious and perfect to serve with rice.
Tips for Keeping Fritters Crispy
Many people complain that the fritters they make become soft. To avoid this, here are some tips to keep your fritters crispy:
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Make Sure the Dough Consistency is Right
Don't make it too runny or too thick. The right batter will help the fritters expand and crisp when fried.
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Use Sufficiently Hot Oil
Make sure the oil is very hot before you start frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soft.
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Drain Well
Once removed from the oil, immediately drain the fritters on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
- Fry in Small Amounts
Don't fry too many fritters at once. This will lower the oil temperature and make the fritters not crispy.
Serving Bakwan with Accompanying Sauce
Bakwan will be even more delicious if served with accompanying sauce. Here are some ideas for sauces that are suitable to accompany your bakwan:
Soy Sauce Chili Sauce
Mix sweet soy sauce with chili slices and lime juice. This sauce provides a spicy and sweet sensation that is perfect for bakwan.
Cocolas Mayonnaise Sauce
Mix mayonnaise with a little lime juice or chili sauce to give a different touch of creamy and fresh taste.
Sauce Tomato
Sweet and slightly sour tomato sauce can be the right choice to enjoy with bakwan.
The Perfect Side Dish for Bakwan
Bakwan can be enjoyed on its own, but it also goes well with other foods. Here are some options you can try:
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Hot Rice
Enjoying bakwan with hot rice will make this dish more special.
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Soto
Bakwan can be the perfect side snack when enjoying a bowl of soto.
- Sweet Tea or Warm Orange
Warm drinks such as sweet tea or warm orange juice can make the dining atmosphere more comfortable.
Conclusion
By following the steps and tips above, you can make delicious and crispy bakwan at home. Bakwan is not just a snack; it can also be a special menu for various events. Make variations according to your taste and enjoy the deliciousness with your family!
