Shrimp chips are a popular snack or side dish in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia. They are typically made from a combination of shrimp paste, tapioca starch, and water, which is then shaped into thin, round chips and deep-fried until crispy.
The chips are usually served as a light and crunchy snack or appetizer and can be eaten on their own or with a dipping sauce. They have a unique flavor that is salty, slightly sweet, and savory, with a distinct shrimp taste that is not overpowering.
In some Asian cuisines, such as in Chinese, Japanese or Vietnamese, shrimp chips may also be served as a garnish or topping for certain dishes, adding a crispy texture and extra flavor to the dish.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Shrimp chips, also known as prawn crackers, are a type of snack food that originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. They are typically made from starch, usually tapioca or potato, mixed with shrimp and water, and then deep-fried until they puff up and become crispy.
Shrimp chips have a long history and cultural significance in Southeast Asia, where they are a popular snack food and often served as a complimentary item in restaurants. In Indonesia, for example, shrimp chips are called krupuk and are a staple food that is enjoyed with various dishes or as a standalone snack.
In Indonesia, krupuk is considered an essential staple of the traditional cuisine and is often served during religious and cultural celebrations. In Thailand, shrimp chips are also an important snack food, and they are often used as a topping for dishes such as papaya salad.
Shrimp chips have also become a popular snack food in other parts of the world, including North America and Europe. They are widely available in many grocery stores and Asian markets.
Shrimp Chips Recipe
Shrimp chips are a popular snack or side dish in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia.
Ingredients
- Tapioca flour - 1 cup
- Rice flour - 1/2 cup
- Salt - 1/2 tsp
- Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper - 1/4 tsp
- Shrimp, finely chopped - 1/4 cup
- Water - 1 cup
- Vegetable oil - for frying
Instructions
- Begin by taking a mixing bowl, and adding tapioca flour, rice flour, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Add in the chopped shrimp and combine until the shrimp is uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Slowly pour water while combining until the mixture forms a dough.
- Now, keep kneading the prepared dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and flexible.
- It’s time to roll out the dough on a floured countertop to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Next, take the dough and cut it into small circles with the help of the rim of a glass or a cookie cutter.
- Take a deep frying pan and add vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, slowly drop some of the shrimp chips into the oil.
- Allow the shrimp chips to fry for approximately 30 seconds on all sides. Let them cook until they turn golden brown.
- Once done, take out the shrimp chips from the oil and transfer them on a paper towel to get rid of excess oil.
- Repeat the same procedure with the rest of the dough circles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 222Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 379mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g