Fried oyster cake is a popular snack that originated from Fuzhou, China, and is now commonly found in Singapore. It is a crispy and savoury cake that is filled with oyster, shrimp, meat, and other ingredients. Making fried oyster cake may seem daunting, but with the right recipe and technique, you can easily recreate this delicious snack at home.
To prepare the ingredients for fried oyster cake, you will need oysters, shrimp, minced pork, flour, cornstarch, eggs, and various seasonings. The trick to achieving the perfect texture and shape of the oyster cake lies in the batter. You need to create a batter that is thick enough to coat the ingredients, but not too thick that it becomes clumpy. Once the batter is ready, you can start frying the oyster cakes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
If you are a fan of savoury snacks, then you should definitely try making fried oyster cake at home. It is a fun and easy recipe that you can enjoy with your family and friends. In the next section, we will discuss the steps involved in making fried oyster cake and provide you with a detailed recipe that you can follow.
Key Takeaways
- Fried oyster cake is a savoury snack that originated from Fuzhou, China, and is now commonly found in Singapore.
- To make fried oyster cake, you need to prepare a batter that is thick enough to coat the ingredients, but not too thick that it becomes clumpy.
- The key to achieving the perfect texture and shape of the oyster cake is to fry it until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start making the fried oyster cake, you need to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here are the three main steps you need to follow:
Selecting the Oysters
The quality of the oysters is crucial for the taste of the fried oyster cake. Make sure you choose fresh oysters that are plump and juicy. Frozen oysters are also a good option if fresh ones are not available. However, you need to thaw them properly before using them in the recipe. Wash the oysters under running water with a colander and drain them before use.
Marinating the Meat
To make the filling for the fried oyster cake, you need to marinate the meat. You can use minced pork, chicken, or a combination of both. Add a dash of salt, pepper, light soy sauce, and sesame oil to the meat and mix well. You can also add chopped prawns to the meat mixture for extra flavour. Cover the bowl with the meat mixture and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Mixing the Batter
The batter is what gives the fried oyster cake its crispy texture. To make the batter, you need to mix plain flour, rice flour, corn flour, self-raising flour, salt, and water in a bowl. Mix the ingredients until you get a smooth and thick batter. You can also add chopped chives or spring onions to the batter for extra flavour.
Cooking the Oyster Cake
Frying Techniques
When it comes to frying the oyster cake, you have a few options. You can either deep fry it or pan-fry it. Deep frying is the traditional method, but pan-frying can also achieve a crispy texture.
If you choose to deep fry, use a wok or pot with enough oil to submerge the oyster cake. The temperature for deep frying should be around 180°C. Use a frying ladle to gently slide the oyster cake into the oil and cook until golden brown, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
If you choose to pan-fry, use a non-stick pan with a small amount of coconut oil. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To achieve the perfect texture, it is important to get the filling to the right consistency. Make sure to drain any excess water from the oysters before mixing them with the other ingredients.
When forming the oyster cake, use a ladle to scoop the mixture into a rounded shape. This will help it cook evenly and maintain its shape.
After frying, place the oyster cake on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. This will help keep it crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Oyster cakes are often served with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture.
Oyster cakes make a great appetizer or snack. They are best served hot and fresh out of the pan.
Ingredients
To make oyster cakes, you will need minced pork, oysters, dried anchovies, peanuts, and other seasonings.
Cook Time
The cook time for oyster cakes varies depending on the frying method. Deep frying takes around 2-3 minutes, while pan-frying takes around 4-6 minutes total.
Remember to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as needed to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients go into making an oyster cake?
The main ingredients in an oyster cake are oysters, flour, eggs, and seasoning. Some recipes may also include cornmeal, breadcrumbs, or other ingredients to add texture and flavour.
Can tucking into fried oysters be good for your health?
While fried foods are generally not the healthiest option, oysters themselves are actually quite nutritious. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in fat and calories. Just be sure to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What's causing my fried oysters to turn out all soggy?
There are a few things that can cause fried oysters to turn out soggy. One common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and prevent the oysters from crisping up properly. Another issue could be using too much batter or coating, which can trap moisture and lead to a soggy texture.
How do you get a proper crispy coating on fried oysters?
To get a proper crispy coating on fried oysters, make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350-375°F) before adding the oysters. Also, be sure to shake off any excess batter or coating before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
What's the best oil to use for frying oysters to perfection?
The best oil to use for frying oysters is one with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking, which is essential for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior on your fried oysters.