Ketoprak A Delightful Indonesian Street Food Recipe

Table of Contents

 Ketoprak: A Delightful Indonesian Street Food Recipe

Introduction

Ketoprak is a quintessential Indonesian street food dish that embodies simplicity and bold flavors. Popular among locals for its affordability and satisfying taste, this dish consists of rice cakes, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and tofu, all drenched in a rich peanut sauce. With a side of crispy crackers and a dash of sweet soy sauce, Ketoprak delivers an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this iconic dish from the comfort of your home.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 200 grams of roasted peanuts
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons of palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
• 100 ml of water
• Salt to taste

For the Ketoprak:

• 4 pieces of rice cakes (lontong), diced
• 150 grams of rice vermicelli noodles, boiled
• 200 grams of tofu, fried and cubed
• 150 grams of bean sprouts, blanched
• 4 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Fried shallots for garnish
• Emping or krupuk (crispy crackers) as a side

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

1. Blend or grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse paste.
2. In a mortar or blender, mix garlic, chilies, and salt. Crush until smooth.
3. Add the peanut paste, palm sugar, and tamarind paste. Mix thoroughly.
4. Gradually add water until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.

2. Cook the Ingredients:

1. Dice the rice cakes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Boil the rice vermicelli noodles until tender, then drain and set aside.
3. Fry the tofu until golden brown, then cut into small cubes.
4. Blanch the bean sprouts in hot water for 1-2 minutes, then drain.

3. Assemble the Ketoprak:

1. On a serving plate, layer the rice cakes, noodles, tofu, and bean sprouts.
2. Pour a generous amount of peanut sauce over the ingredients.
3. Drizzle sweet soy sauce on top for added sweetness.
4. Sprinkle fried shallots for a crispy finish.

4. Serve with Crackers:

1. Add a handful of emping or krupuk on the side for an extra crunch.
2. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Tips for the Best Ketoprak

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh bean sprouts and high-quality peanuts for a rich flavor.
• Make it Vegan: This dish is naturally vegan, but ensure the sweet soy sauce and crackers do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Conclusion

Ketoprak is more than just street food; it’s a testament to Indonesia’s culinary diversity. Easy to make and bursting with flavors, this dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Try this recipe and bring the taste of Indonesian street food to your kitchen!

Enjoy your homemade Ketoprak and share it with family and friends for an authentic experience.