Crispy Vegetable Ukoy Recipe
This version of Crispy Vegetable Ukoy combines sweet potato, carrots, bean sprouts, malunggay, and optional shrimp, all coated in a light, savory batter and fried in coconut oil for a subtle hint of flavor. These golden, crispy fritters are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Serve them hot with a classic vinegar dip or a creamy yogurt sauce for a fun twist!
Ingredients
For the batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup water (add more if needed for consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the fritters:
- 1/2 cup sweet potato, julienned
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (togue)
- 1/4 cup malunggay (moringa) leaves
- 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced
For frying:
- Coconut oil, enough for shallow frying
Dipping Sauces:
- Traditional: Vinegar with chopped onions, salt, and pepper
- Alternative: Yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, stirring until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the vegetables but not too heavy. Adjust with more water if needed.
- Add the sweet potato, carrots, bean sprouts, malunggay leaves, onion, and shrimp (if using) to the batter. Stir until all ingredients are well-coated.
- In a large frying pan, heat about an inch of coconut oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the vegetable mixture and gently flatten it in the pan to form a fritter. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan for the crispiest results.
- Transfer the fried ukoy to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Enjoy your Vegetable Ukoy hot with the traditional vinegar dip or one of the other suggested sauces. Fresh cucumber sticks or pickled radish on the side add a refreshing touch!
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