A favourite of many lovers of Indonesian cuisine, prawn crackers are not only a delicious snack, but also a versatile side dish that goes perfectly with a variety of dishes. While most of us are used to buying crackers from shops, the prawn crackers are actually surprisingly easy and fun to make yourself at home. In this article, we will go on a crunchy journey and discover how to make your own crackers.
Before we put on our aprons and dive into the kitchen, let’s take a look at the origins of prawn crackers. This crunchy delicacy has its roots deep in Indonesian cuisine, where it has been enjoyed as a side dish or snack for centuries. Originally, crackers were made from the milky pulp of the banana plant, but today they are often made from shrimp or other seafood.
The history of prawn crackers
Before we don our aprons and dive into the kitchen, let’s look at the origins of prawn crackers. This crunchy delicacy has its roots deep in Indonesian cuisine, where it has been eaten as a side dish or snack for centuries. Originally, crackers were made from the milky pulp of the banana plant, but nowadays it is often made from shrimp or other seafood. (Source photo: IStock)
What do you need?
Before you start, it’s useful to check that you have all the ingredients you need. Here is a basic list of what you need to make your own crackers. (Source photo: IStock)
- Shrimps or other seafood (you can also use fish or even vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- Tapioca flour (this provides the crunchy texture)
- Garlic and herbs to taste
- Water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- A blender or food processor
- Baking paper
- A sharp knife
Steps to make your own prawn crackers
- Preparing the prawns: If using fresh prawns, make sure they are well cleaned and de-shelled. If using frozen prawns, let them thaw and drain first.
- Blending: Put the prawns, garlic, spices and a little water in a blender or food processor. Blend until a smooth mass is obtained.
- Adding tapioca flour: Add tapioca flour to the shrimp mixture and mix well until you have a thick, sticky mass.
- Spread on baking sheet: Place a sheet of baking paper on a baking sheet and spread the shrimp-tapioca mixture evenly on the baking sheet. It should be a thin layer, about a few millimetres thick.
- Drying: Let the mixture dry in the sun or in a well-ventilated area until it is completely dry. This may take several hours to a day, depending on conditions.
- Cut and deep-fry: Once the mixture is completely dry, cut into small pieces or strips. Then heat the vegetable oil in a pan and deep-fry the crackers pieces until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Drain the homemade crackers on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
And there you have it, your own prawn crackers you make yourself, are ready to serve!