Embark on a culinary journey through the rich tapestry of Brunei's gastronomic heritage with a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of the country's flavors - Cucur Udang. This traditional Bruneian recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden, crispy shrimp fritters that tantalize the taste buds and reflect the vibrant cultural diversity of this Southeast Asian nation.

In Brunei, Cucur Udang holds a special place as a beloved snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of fresh shrimp, aromatic herbs, and a signature blend of spices results in a mouthwatering treat that captures the essence of Brunei's culinary identity. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind crafting these delectable shrimp fritters, allowing you to bring a touch of Bruneian warmth and hospitality to your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 250g fresh prawns, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil for deep frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter:In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and water to create a smooth batter. Ensure there are no lumps.

Add Flavorful Ingredients:Add the chopped prawns, finely chopped onion, spring onions, cilantro, ground turmeric, chili powder, baking powder, and salt to the batter. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Achieve the Right Consistency:The batter should have a thick consistency that coats the prawns well. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding a little more water or flour.

Heat Oil for Frying:In a deep frying pan or wok, heat cooking oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough for deep frying.

Fry the Prawn Fritters:Spoon portions of the batter (with prawns) into the hot oil, creating small fritters. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Drain Excess Oil:Once the prawn fritters are golden brown and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serve Warm:Cucur Udang is best enjoyed when warm. Serve the crispy prawn fritters with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a tangy tamarind chutney.

Garnish (Optional):Garnish the Cucur Udang with additional chopped cilantro or spring onions for a fresh burst of flavor.

Enjoy!Dive into the delightful flavors of Brunei with these homemade Cucur Udang. Share this authentic Bruneian treat with family and friends for a taste of Southeast Asian culinary excellence.

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values as they can vary based on specific brands and sizes of ingredients, as well as preparation methods. However, I can provide approximate values based on standard nutritional information. Please note that these are rough estimates and may not be entirely accurate:

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, assuming 4 servings):

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

Benefit: A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.

Water (1 cup):

• Water has no caloric content.

Benefit: Essential for hydration, helps in various bodily functions, and aids digestion.

Fresh Prawns (250g):

• Calories: 168
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefit: High in protein, low in fat, and a good source of essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.

Small Onion:

• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

Benefit: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Spring Onions (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefit: Low in calories, a good source of vitamin K, and may provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits.

Cilantro (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefit: Contains antioxidants, may have anti-inflammatory properties, and is a good source of vitamins A and K.

Ground Turmeric (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

Benefit: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; contains curcumin, which may have various health benefits.

Chili Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

Benefit: Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefit: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the batter rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt (to taste):

• Nutritional values for salt are negligible since it is usually used in small quantities.

Benefit: Necessary for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body and enhancing the flavor of food.

Cooking Oil (for deep frying, estimated 2 cups used):

• Calories: 1,920
• Fat: 216g

Benefit: Provides energy, adds flavor and texture to food, and some oils contain healthy fats.

Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients and the exact amounts used in your recipe.