Bakwan Udang recipe and Health Benefits



In Surabaya, the meal is known as OTE OTE (meaning "naked" in English) - do not ask me why, while in other cities, they called Bakwan Udang (shrimp dumplings). I do not know how behind this meal comes from. But in my home town is a popular snack, and easy to find. I can buy some food stall selling different kinds of snacks. Here, as usual ... I must do it by myself. Fortunately it is easy to do and not really take much time.

Ingredients

- 100 g bean sprouts
- 2 carrots, peeled, thinly sliced ​​
- a piece of celery, chopped
- 50 g small shrimp, cleaned and washed
- 50 g plain flour paste spices
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves garlic

- 1 teaspoon chile powder
- a mixture of 1 / 2 block seasoning (1 / 2 bag Royco / Knorr)

How to

1. Grind or blend the spice paste.
2. Mix all ingredients. Then add 2 or 3 tablespoons water to mixture. If mixture is too runny, add more flour.
3. Heat oil in a wok deep. Take a small spoon and deep heat in hot oil. When it is hot enough, take it out and put 2 tablespoons of the mixture and add the shrimp on top. Take the pan. After some time, remove the mixture from the bag and continue frying until it turns brown.

Health Benefits :

Bakwan udang, also known as shrimp fritters, is a popular Indonesian dish made by mixing shrimp with various ingredients, forming them into small patties, and deep-frying them until golden and crispy. Here are some potential health benefits associated with bakwan udang:

1. Protein source: Shrimp is the main ingredient in bakwan udang and is a good source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle health.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Shrimp is known to be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, supporting brain health, and promoting heart health.

3. Vitamins and minerals: Shrimp is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and iodine. Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function and red blood cell production, while selenium and iodine are essential for thyroid health.

4. Low in carbohydrates: Bakwan udang is generally low in carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for individuals following low-carb or ketogenic diets or those managing their blood sugar levels.

5. Antioxidants: Shrimp contains antioxidants such as astaxanthin, which gives it its pink color. Antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

While bakwan udang offers some health benefits, it's important to keep in mind that deep-frying can increase the calorie and fat content of the dish. Moderation and portion control are key when consuming bakwan udang to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, consider using healthier cooking methods such as baking or grilling to reduce the overall fat content while still enjoying the flavors of shrimp.