If you're a fan of Singaporean cuisine, you've probably heard of oyster cake. This savoury snack is a popular street food in Singapore and is often referred to as UFO due to its round shape. The dish is said to have originated from the Fuzhou province in China, and has since become a beloved tradition in Singaporean cuisine.
Making oyster cake requires a bit of effort, but the end result is definitely worth it. The dish consists of a crispy pancake filled with juicy oysters, meat, and bean sprouts.
The outer layer is usually made from a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and water, and is fried until golden brown. Oyster cake is often served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, which perfectly complements the savoury flavours of the dish.
Key Takeaways
- Oyster cake is a popular street food in Singapore, and is often referred to as UFO due to its round shape.
- Making oyster cake requires a bit of effort, but the end result is definitely worth it.
- Oyster cake is often served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, which perfectly complements the savoury flavours of the dish.
Preparing the Oyster Cake Batter
Choosing the Right Flour
To make the perfect oyster cake batter, you need to choose the right flour. Rice flour is the most important ingredient, as it gives the oyster cake its unique texture. You can find rice flour at most Asian grocery stores. Plain flour and self-raising flour are also essential ingredients in the batter. You can use corn flour to make the batter crispier.
Creating the Perfect Consistency
To create the perfect consistency for your oyster cake batter, you need to mix the flours and other dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add water slowly and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the oysters evenly, but not too thick that it becomes lumpy. You can add baking powder to the batter to make it rise and become fluffy.
Don't forget to add salt to taste. Salt enhances the flavour of the oyster cake and makes it more delicious. You can also add other seasonings like pepper and chicken powder to enhance the taste of the batter.
When you are ready to cook the oyster cake, make sure to prepare the batter just before cooking. Don't prepare the batter ahead of time and let it sit around, as this can affect the consistency of the batter.
Frying and Serving
Deep Frying Techniques
Now that you have prepared the oyster cake batter and filling, it's time to fry them up! Deep frying is a popular cooking method for oyster cakes, as it results in a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. To start, fill a pot or wok with enough cooking oil to submerge the oyster cakes completely. You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil for frying.
Before you start frying, make sure to heat the oil to around 180°C. If the oil is too hot, the cakes will burn on the outside and remain uncooked on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the cakes will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Achieving Golden Brown Perfection
To achieve that perfect golden brown colour, you need to fry the oyster cakes for the right amount of time. Depending on their size, the cakes should take around 3-4 minutes to cook. However, you should keep an eye on them and flip them over halfway through the cooking process to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
Once the oyster cakes are cooked, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help to absorb any excess oil and keep the cakes crispy.
Final Touches and Presentation
To give your oyster cakes a final touch, you can sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper while they are still hot. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce.
When presenting the oyster cakes, you can arrange them on a platter and garnish them with some fresh herbs, such as coriander or spring onions. This will not only make them look more appetising but also add a burst of flavour to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the traditional way to make an oyster cake?
The traditional way to make an oyster cake is to mix flour, eggs, water, and seasoning to make a batter. Then, add in minced pork, prawns, and oysters to the batter. The mixture is then deep-fried until it becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Can you suggest a simple method for preparing oyster cakes at home?
Yes, a simple method for preparing oyster cakes at home is to mix flour, eggs, water, and seasoning to make a batter. Then, add in minced pork, prawns, and oysters to the batter. The mixture is then poured into a muffin tin and baked in the oven until it becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What are the key ingredients for a classic oyster cake?
The key ingredients for a classic oyster cake are flour, eggs, water, minced pork, prawns, oysters, and seasoning. The seasoning usually consists of salt, pepper, and five-spice powder.
How does Teochew oyster cake differ from other types?
Teochew oyster cake is different from other types because it is made with a different batter, which is made with rice flour instead of wheat flour. The filling is also different, as it usually contains peanuts and mushrooms.
What's the history behind oyster cakes in Singapore?
Oyster cakes have been a popular snack in Singapore for many years. It is believed that they were introduced by the Teochew people, who migrated to Singapore from China. Today, oyster cakes can be found in hawker centres and food courts all over Singapore.