If you're a fan of prawn crackers, you know how addictive they can be. These crispy, light snacks are perfect for munching on while watching TV or as a quick snack during the day.
However, if you're looking for a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, you might want to try oven-baked prawn crackers.
Preparing the Prawn Crackers
To prepare the prawn crackers, you'll need to soak them in water for a few minutes until they soften. Once they're soft, you can slice them into thin pieces and place them on a baking tray.
You can then season them with your favourite spices and herbs before baking them in the oven.
Oven Baking and Storage
When baking the prawn crackers, it's important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
You can bake them at a low temperature of around 100°C for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring them every 20 minutes for an even bake.
Once they're done, you can store them in an airtight container for a few days.
Key Takeaways
- Oven-baked prawn crackers are a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version.
- To prepare them, soak the crackers in water, slice them into thin pieces, season them with your favourite spices and herbs, and bake them in the oven.
- Store the crackers in an airtight container for a few days after baking.
Preparing the Prawn Crackers
Creating the Dough
To make oven-baked prawn crackers, you will need to start by creating the dough.
In a food processor, mix together tapioca flour, prawn meat, sugar, sea salt, garlic powder, and white pepper until it forms a smooth paste. You can also use a blender to puree the prawn meat before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Next, knead the dough on a clean surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a little cold water.
Cover the dough with cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Shaping and Slicing
After the dough has rested, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
Roll the dough into thin sheets using a rolling pin or a pasta maker. If you want to speed up the process, you can also use a mandolin slicer to slice the dough into thin strips.
To create the signature prawn cracker shape, cut the dough into small triangles or squares using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. You can also use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes for special occasions.
Drying Process
Once you have shaped the prawn crackers, it's time to dry them out.
Preheat your oven to 160°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the prawn crackers on the tray, making sure they don't overlap.
Bake the crackers for 15-20 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden brown. You can also use a bamboo steamer to steam the crackers for 10-15 minutes, which will give them a chewier texture.
Homemade prawn crackers are a delicious and authentic appetizer that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
They are gluten-free and contain no preservatives, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.
Try adding different spices or flavours to the dough to create your own unique recipe. Enjoy!
Oven Baking and Storage
Baking to Perfection
To achieve perfectly crispy and delicious prawn crackers, oven baking is a great alternative to deep-frying.
First, preheat your oven to 100°C. Then, place your prawn crackers on a baking tray and bake them for 1-1.5 hours. Make sure to stir the cracker slices every 20 minutes to ensure even baking.
Once they are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Storing for Freshness
To keep your oven-baked prawn crackers fresh and crispy, store them in an airtight container.
You can also add a small packet of silica gel to absorb any moisture and prevent the crackers from getting soggy.
Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator to dry out the crackers and extend their shelf life.
If you prefer deep-frying your prawn crackers, use vegetable oil or another high smoke point oil.
Be careful not to overcrowd the pan and use a slotted spoon to remove the crackers from the oil once they are golden brown.
In Southeast Asia, prawn crackers are a popular snack often served at Chinese restaurants. They are typically made with prawn or fish and flavoured with sea salt and monosodium glutamate. Some traditional methods involve sun-drying the crackers before deep-frying them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake prawn crackers to make them healthier?
Yes, you can bake prawn crackers to make them healthier. Baking prawn crackers is a healthier alternative to deep-frying them.
To bake prawn crackers, preheat your oven to 100°C and slice the crackers as thinly as possible. Place them on a baking tray and bake for 1-1.5 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even baking.
What's a good recipe for homemade prawn crackers?
There are many good recipes for homemade prawn crackers available online.
One recipe you can try is from Guai Shu Shu. It involves blending prawns, tapioca flour, salt, and sugar into a paste, spreading the paste on a baking tray, and baking in the oven until crispy.
Is it possible to cook prawn crackers without deep frying?
Yes, it is possible to cook prawn crackers without deep frying. Baking prawn crackers in the oven is a healthier alternative to deep frying. You can also cook prawn crackers in a dehydrator or air fryer.
Where can I find prawn crackers to buy nearby?
You can find prawn crackers to buy at most Asian supermarkets or online. Some popular brands include Want Want, Calbee, and Hapi.
At what oven temperature should prawn crackers be cooked?
Prawn crackers should be cooked at a low temperature in the oven, around 100°C. This allows them to dry out and become crispy without burning.
How can you make prawn crackers crispy again after they've gone soft?
To make prawn crackers crispy again after they've gone soft, you can bake them in the oven at a low temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can deep fry them again for a few seconds until they become crispy.