Craving a delicious and authentic taste of Thai street food? Look no further than these crispy fried Chinese chive cakes! These savory little gems are surprisingly simple to make at home, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Imagine the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown exterior giving way to a soft, herbaceous interior, bursting with the aromatic punch of Chinese chives. This irresistible snack is perfect as an appetizer, a light meal, or a satisfying accompaniment to your favorite Thai dishes.
Forget complicated recipes and long preparation times; this recipe is designed for ease and efficiency. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the batter to achieving that perfect crispy texture. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create these addictive treats? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Condiment pot
- Steamer
- Mold suitable for steaming
- Knife
- Frying pan
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Chopped Chinese chives: 100g
- Baking soda: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Crushed red chili (verdi): 2
- Dark soy sauce: 1 1/2 tbsp
- White vinegar: 1/2 tbsp
- Water: 1/2 tbsp
- Light soy sauce: 1/2 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 1/2 tbsp
- Rice flour: 1/2 cup
- Potato flour: 2 1/2 tbsp
- Water: 1/2 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chive Mixture and Batter
- Add chopped Chinese chives, baking soda, and salt to a bowl. Mix thoroughly and let it sit for 30 minutes to soften the chives.
- In a jug, mix rice flour and potato flour. Gradually add water while continuously stirring until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
- After 30 minutes, pour the flour mixture into the bowl with the chives and mix well.
Step 2. Steam and Cut the Chive Cakes
- Pour the mixture into a steaming mold, steam for 20 minutes on high heat.
- Check if the chive cake is cooked through with a knife. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3. Fry (Optional) and Drain
- skip frying and serve straight from the steamer).
- Drain the fried cakes on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 4. Make the Dipping Sauce and Serve
- Combine crushed red chilies, dark soy sauce, white vinegar, water, light soy sauce, and sugar in a pot. Mix well.
- Serve the fried chive cakes with the dipping sauce.
Read more: Crispy Thai Corn Fritters: Easy Party Snack Recipe
Tips
- Chinese chives can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
- If you don't like deep-fried food, you can skip that step and serve the cake straight from the steamer.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the Chinese chives with other herbs?
While Chinese chives provide the best flavor, you can experiment with scallions or leeks. The flavor will be slightly different, but still enjoyable.
2. How do I ensure the cakes are crispy?
Use a good quality oil with a high smoke point and heat it to medium-high. Don't overcrowd the pan, and ensure the cakes are cooked thoroughly on both sides.
These crispy fried Chinese chive cakes are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into an extraordinary snack. From appetizer to main event, their versatility makes them a perfect addition to any meal. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – you won't be disappointed!