Ukoy Food

UKOY RECIPE - FILIPINO SHRIMP FRITTERS

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt and ground pepper. Add the water and whisk together until well-blended and smooth. Stir in annatto/achuete powder to the mixture and mix well until color is evenly distributed.
• Add 1 cup shrimps and grated sweet potato in the mixture and lightly stir to distribute.
• Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Fill a small saucer evenly with about 2-3 tablespoon of the mixture and add 2-3 more shrimps on top. Gently tilt the saucer to slide the mixture into the hot oil and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.
• Transfer the deep-fried ukoy in a plate lined with paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
• Serve while still hot with spiced vinegar.

UKOY (FILIPINO SHRIMP AND VEGETABLE FRITTERS)

Steps:

• For the Dipping Sauce : In a small bowl, stir together vinegar, fish sauce, garlic, and chile; set aside.
• For the Ukoy Fritters : In a separate small bowl, combine shrimp, fish sauce, and soy sauce; set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine bean sprouts, carrots, and sweet potato, and toss to combine. In a medium bowl, whisk together water, rice flour, and salt until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, add batter to large bowl with vegetable mixture, and fold together until vegetables are evenly coated.
• Heat oven to 200°F (95°C). Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C). To form ukoy fritters, use your fingers to mound roughly 1/2 cup (85g) of the vegetable mixture in single layer in a large heatproof spoon. Nestle 1 shrimp in the center, top with a second 1/2 cup (85g) of vegetable mixture, and gently press down to form a 3-inch disc. Using another large heatproof spoon or spatula, carefully slide ukoy off spoon into oil (don't worry if the ukoy separates slightly during frying), then form a second ukoy, and slide into oil. Fry until golden brown on bottom side, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted metal spatula, carefully flip ukoy over and continue to fry until golden brown on second side, about 2 minutes. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, season lightly with salt, then transfer to oven to keep warm.
• Using a spider skimmer, skim any browned bits of batter from oil, and discard. Return oil to 375°F (190°C) and repeat process with remaining vegetable mixture and shrimp.
• Transfer ukoy to a plate and serve immediately with dipping sauce.

UKOY RECIPE (SHRIMP FRITTER)

Steps:

• Combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, egg, water, salt, and ground black pepper then stir until diluted.
• Add the shrimps and mung bean sprouts in the mixture and lightly stir to distribute.
• Heat a frying pan or small cooking pot and pour-in the cooking oil.
• When the oil is hot enough, scoop about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture and quickly (but cautiously) drop it in hot oil.
• Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until the color turns golden brown. Please note that cooking time may vary. Repeat this step until the entire mixture is consumed.
• Remove the deep-fried ukoy from the pan and place in a plate lined with paper towel to absorb the oil.
• Remove the paper towel and serve with sinamak.
• Share and enjoy!

FILIPINO SHRIMP FRITTERS (UKOY OR OKOY)

Steps:

• Mix together in a bowl the flour, corn starch, egg, garlic, water, fish sauce and pepper. Mix it very well and make sure it's free from lumps and set aside.
• Wash and peel the sweet potato and carrots then grate it but in you do not have a grater, slice thinly as you can. Then slice the green onions.
• Add the sweet potato, green onions, carrots and shrimp into the batter mixture and mix well.
• In a frying pan, heat oil just enough to deep fry 2 fritters at a time. Using a slotted spoon, scoop Vege-shrimp batter allowing excess batter to drip off and place in a pan like mini pancakes, frying each side until crispy and lightly brown.
• Once cooked, drain each Ukoy fritters on a paper towel to get rid excess oil.
• Prepare the vinegar dip by mixing the last 7 ingredients and mix well, transfer in small bowl and serve warm.