Cara Bikin Empek Empek – Resep, Bahan, dan Tips

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, today we are going to explore the world of Indonesian cuisine and learn how to make one of its most beloved dishes, empek empek. Empek empek is a type of fish cake originating from Palembang, South Sumatra. Consisting of a mixture of fish and tapioca flour, empek empek is best served with a sweet and sour sauce. Here, we will guide you through the process of preparing this delicious dish step by step. So let’s get started!

Bahan (Ingredients)

The first step in making empek empek is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients	Amount
Ground fish (mackerel or tenggiri)	500g
Tapioca flour	250g
Garlic, minced	5 cloves
Spring onion, finely sliced	1 stalk
Salt	2 tsp
White pepper	1 tsp
Water	750ml

Langkah-langkah (Steps)

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start making your empek empek. Here are the steps:

1. Prepare the fish

Clean and fillet the fish, removing any bones or skin. Cut the fish into small pieces and then blend it in a food processor until it becomes a smooth paste.

2. Mix the fish paste with tapioca flour

In a bowl, mix together the fish paste, tapioca flour, minced garlic, spring onion, salt and white pepper. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick, sticky dough.

3. Form the dough into small balls

Dip your hand into a bowl of water and take a small amount of dough. Roll it in your palms to form a small ball, about the size of a ping pong ball. Repeat until all the dough is used up.

4. Boil the dough balls in water

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the dough balls into the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove from the water and drain.

5. Fry the cooked dough balls

Heat a pan with vegetable oil. Fry the cooked dough balls until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.

6. Prepare the sauce

While the empek empek is frying, it’s time to make the sauce. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Ingredients	Amount
Vinegar	100ml
Water	100ml
Palm sugar	50g
Chili, finely sliced	1 piece
Garlic, finely sliced	2 cloves
Salt	1 tsp

To make the sauce, simply mix all the ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the palm sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce becomes thick and sticky.

7. Serve with the sauce

Once the empek empek is done frying, it’s time to serve it with the sweet and sour sauce. Pour the sauce over the empek empek and garnish with some sliced cucumber and lettuce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure that your empek empek turns out perfectly:

1. Use fresh fish

Make sure to use fresh fish for your empek empek. Stale or rotten fish can give your dish an unpleasant odor and flavor.

2. Don’t overdo the blending

Be careful not to blend the fish paste for too long, or it will become too smooth and won’t hold its shape when you form it into balls.

3. Adjust the water amount

The amount of water you add to the dough mixture can affect the texture of your empek empek. If the dough is too dry, it will be hard and chewy. If it’s too wet, it will fall apart during cooking.

4. Use a non-stick pan

To prevent your empek empek from sticking to the pan during frying, use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use other types of fish instead of mackerel or tenggiri?

Yes, you can use other types of fish as long as they have a firm texture and mild flavor. Some good options include cod, haddock, or tilapia.

2. How long can I store the empek empek?

Empek empek is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply steam the empek empek or microwave for a few seconds.

3. Can I freeze the empek empek?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.

4. Is the sauce spicy?

The spiciness of the sauce depends on the amount of chili you use. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can omit the chili or remove the seeds.

5. Can I use other types of sauce?

Yes, you can use other types of sauce to accompany your empek empek, such as soy sauce or chili sauce. However, the sweet and sour sauce is the traditional and most commonly used sauce for empek empek.

That’s it, Sohib EditorOnline, you now know how to make delicious empek empek! Be sure to follow the steps carefully and enjoy your homemade Indonesian cuisine. Selamat makan!

Cara Bikin Empek Empek – Resep, Bahan, dan Tips