Prawn cracker

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Prawn cracker is a popular snack food commonly found in Southeast Asian and East Asian cuisines. It is made from starch and prawn, which gives it its distinctive flavor and name.

History[edit | edit source]

The origin of the prawn cracker is believed to be from the Indonesian island of Java. The snack is known as "krupuk udang" in the local language. It has since spread to other parts of Southeast Asia and East Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan.

Preparation[edit | edit source]

The main ingredients of prawn crackers are tapioca starch and prawn. The prawns are first ground into a paste, then mixed with the starch. This mixture is then rolled out into a thin sheet and cut into individual pieces. These pieces are then dried and deep-fried to create the final product.

Variations[edit | edit source]

There are many variations of prawn crackers throughout Asia. In Indonesia, for example, there are also versions made with fish, known as "krupuk ikan". In China, prawn crackers are often served as a side dish with Peking Duck. In Japan, a similar snack known as "ebisen" is popular.

Consumption[edit | edit source]

Prawn crackers are often consumed as a snack on their own, but they can also be served as a side dish with meals. They are a common accompaniment to Nasi Goreng, a popular Indonesian fried rice dish. In addition, they are often included in the assortment of snacks served at Chinese New Year celebrations.

See also[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD