The Hidden Secret to Keeping Bakwan Crispy Even When Cold!

Kapanlagi.com - Vegetable bakwan, a typical Indonesian snack that always whets the appetite, truly has no equal! Its tempting crunch makes it a favorite among various circles. However, who would have thought that keeping the crispy texture of bakwan when cold could be a challenge in itself?

Many people usually rely on baking powder to maintain its crispiness, but there’s good news! It turns out there’s a simpler way that is definitely free from a bitter taste. In a viral video, YouTuber Nuraaini Soewarto shares a practical trick to keep bakwan crispy and long-lasting without using any leavening agents. The video successfully attracted millions of viewers who were curious to try this unique method. Get ready to make your vegetable bakwan even more special!

1. Prepare the Bakwan Ingredients

To create crispy and appetizing vegetable bakwan, the first step you need to take is to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Take 300 grams of low-protein flour as the main binder, and don't forget to add a variety of fresh vegetables such as sliced cabbage, green onions, grated carrots, and bean sprouts. This combination not only provides a rich flavor but also creates a thick and tempting texture.

Once all the ingredients are ready, use a large bowl to mix everything with the right proportions. Make sure the measurements are accurate so that the bakwan doesn't become soggy. With the abundance of vegetables included, your bakwan will have a dense texture and will absorb the flour well, so when fried, the result will be super crispy and ready to delight your taste buds!

2. Mix the Spices and Vegetables

Once all the vegetable and flour ingredients are ready, it's time to add the ground spices into the mixture. The combination of 5 cloves of garlic and 2 candlenuts will provide a tempting savory touch to your fritters. Don't forget to perfect the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of flavor enhancer, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, so that every bite tastes so delicious.

Next, slowly pour 400 ml of water into the vegetable and flour mixture, while continuously stirring until all the ingredients are well combined. Stirring gently is very important to ensure the batter blends well, resulting in the perfect fritter texture—not too mushy and easy to shape. With these steps, you will achieve crispy and delicious fritters, ready to tantalize your taste buds!

3. Add Margarine for Long-Lasting Crispiness

The main secret to keeping bakwan crispy even when cold is to add 1 tablespoon of melted margarine to the batter. This margarine not only helps maintain crispiness but also prevents the bakwan from becoming oily after frying. "Crispy bakwan, its crispiness lasts all day. It's super easy to make, perfect for a snack," said Nuraaini Soewarto in her video.

Margarine also adds a delightful aroma to the bakwan without altering its taste, making it perfect to enjoy with various sauces or chili peppers.

4. Fry Bakwan with Plenty of Oil

Once the bakwan batter is ready, it's time to fry it until it reaches the perfect level of crispiness. Heat a generous amount of oil, so the bakwan batter can be fully submerged. This method will ensure that every side of the bakwan gets an even crispness without absorbing excess oil that could diminish the flavor.

Fry the bakwan until it turns a tempting golden-brown color. Don't forget to flip it to ensure even cooking on both sides. Once it's crispy enough, remove and drain. With this proper frying technique, your bakwan will remain crispy even when cold, ready to delight anyone who tries it!

5. Serve Bakwan with Sambal or Bird's Eye Chili

After the frying process is complete, the vegetable fritters are ready to be served. Many fritter enthusiasts add bird's eye chili as a companion for a spicy sensation, or sambal for dipping. For those who have tried this recipe, the fritters remain crispy and delicious even after being served for several hours.

This recipe has received a lot of positive feedback from netizens on YouTube. One viewer, YouTube @asmaaini7061, claimed to have tried the recipe twice. "I've recooked it 2x, it's really delicious. Even when it's cold, it's still good," she commented. Another user also gave a similar review, mentioning that these fritters are crispy on the outside, savory and soft on the inside.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Vegetable Fritter Recipe

Why do fritters become soggy quickly after cooling down?Fritters made with only flour can become soggy after cooling down. Margarine or baking powder is often used to maintain their crispiness.

7. Can margarine be replaced with regular cooking oil?

Margarine provides a crispier effect that lasts longer than regular cooking oil, which is more suitable for preventing the texture of bakwan from becoming soggy.

8. Can baking powder make bakwan taste bitter?

Yes, excessive baking powder can cause a bitter taste in bakwan, so it should be used in moderation or replaced with margarine.

9. How long can bakwan stay crispy with this method?

Bakwan fried with margarine remains crispy for several hours, even after cooling, without the need for reheating.

10. What vegetables can be used to make bakwan?

The common vegetables used are cabbage, carrots, green onions, and bean sprouts. All these vegetables are suitable for providing a thick and crispy texture to bakwan.

(kpl/mnd)