These deep-fried crackers, made from starch and prawns, are a popular side dish and snack in all corners of the world. With strong ties to both Indonesia and Malaysia, there are a few variations of this delicious dish accompaniment, all with slight changes in recipes, but ultimately, prawn crackers are made from a dough of starch (usually tapioca), ground seafood and seasonings, this mix is rolled, sliced, dried and finally, fried.
Where do prawn crackers originate from?
Most people believe that prawn crackers were initially created in China, after all, they are served in most Chinese restaurants, but actually, the exact origins are unclear. We do know that they first originated in Southeast and East Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. With some believing that they were introduced by Chinese immigrants settling in these countries. One suggestion is that prawn crackers first appeared in Indonesia and were initially made from ingredients such as cow skin. However, legend has it that this popular dish was created in the 16th Century in West Malaysia, where people used leftover crushed prawn heads, in an effort to reduce waste, to create prawn crackers.
How did prawn crackers become a global dish?
Spreading across Southeast Asia, prawn crackers became incredibly popular in the Philippines, where they were known as kropek. Bought to the Philippines by Malay settlers who shared a recipe for crackers made from crushed shrimp heads and flour, the Filipinos quickly adopted the crackers, and began to make their own variations of the snack, incorporating the essence of shrimps. Prawn crackers arrived in Europe in the 1800’s, first appearing in the Netherlands by the Dutch East Indies. From there, the delicious crackers began to be introduced across Europe and America.
How are prawn crackers made?
Over the years, the recipe has evolved to incorporate the essence of a variety of seafood including fish and squid, as well as other ingredients, such as rice, nuts, fruit and vegetables. The actual recipe for prawn crackers will vary between cultures, however, the common modern prawn cracker is typically made from a paste of prawns, tapioca flour (a starch known for its crunch) and water. Once combined, this mixture is rolled, steamed and thinly sliced. It is then dried out, traditionally, they were sun-dried, but now they are usually put in an oven or dehydrator. Once dried, the slices are then fried in oil, causing them to expand and curl.
How have prawn crackers evolved?
Now, prawn crackers are popular in most countries around the world, and over the years we have seen massive changes in ingredients, cooking methods and flavours, attracting even more people to enjoy this tasty dish. Product lines have been expanded to include healthier options, to appeal to health-conscious consumers. These product lines also now include a variety of flavours, including BBQ, spicy, and cheese. These exciting and innovative flavours not only help manufacturers to differentiate their products from their competitors, but it also caters to the diverse taste preferences of their growing consumer base.
The future for this popular snack looks promising, we expect to see continued advancements in flavours, ingredients and cooking methods, which in turn, will ensure the continued popularity of this staple dish.