Irresistible Indonesian Fritters: Your Go-To Bakwan Recipe Guide

My mom is Indonesian, and there's no doubt that Indonesian food is some of the best in the world as they seriously know how to make the tastiest dishes! One of my favorite Indonesian snacks is bakwan fritters. They are made with shredded cabbage, carrots, corn, scallions, and bean sprouts, and they are crispy on the outside and soft and savory on the inside, and they're perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack. I love to make bakwan fritters for my boys during tea time. They are a great way to get them to eat their vegetables. It's like a veggie disguise – they're munching away on all the good stuff without even realizing it.

To make bakwan fritters, you'll need:

250g cabbage - shredded

150g carrot - shredded

100g bean sprouts (or corn)

2 scallions, thinly sliced

50g chinese parsley, thinly sliced (optional)

175g all-purpose flour

25g rice flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar (optional)

1 tsp ground pepper

175 ml water

1 clove of garlic paste, or 1tsp garlic powder

1 egg

2 tbsp melted butter

Vegetable oil for deep frying

Here's how to make them:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, bean sprouts, scallions, Chinese parsley (if using), salt, sugar, pepper, garlic, egg, and melted butter. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, and water. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the fritters will be tough.
3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce:

2 red chilies – pound

1 clove of garlic

½ tsp sugar

4 tbsp chili sauce

4 tbsp hot water

*Grind chilies, garlic, and sugar into a paste with a mortar and pestle or food processor add in chili sauce and hot water. Stir well and ready to be served.

A Taste of Indonesia, Right at Home

Making bakwan fritters is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to connect with my Indonesian heritage and share a piece of my culture with my kids. It’s a fun and interactive way to get them involved in the kitchen, and it’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies.

Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

As a mom of four boys, I’ve learned a thing or two about raising kids. Here are a few tips:

1. Lead by example: If you want your kids to eat healthy, you need to eat healthy too.
2. Make mealtime fun: Get the kids involved in cooking and meal planning.
3. Be patient: It takes time to develop healthy eating habits.
4. Don’t give up: Keep offering healthy foods, even if they don’t like them at first.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try new recipes and flavors.

Just bear in mind, Ibu-Ibu; very child is different. What works for one child may not work for another. The most important thing is to be patient and persistent. With a little effort, you can raise happy, healthy kids who love to eat their veggies.

And there you have it, a sneak peek into our Bakwan adventure. It's not just a snack – it's a way for me to share a piece of my mom's heritage with my boys, all while treating their taste buds to the wonders of Indonesian cuisine. So, fellow superhero moms, let's embrace the kitchen, the joy of cooking, and the sheer deliciousness of Bakwan.

P.S. Have you ever tried bakwan? What’s your favorite way to sneak veggies into your kids’ meals?