Seblak Gacoan Recipe A Deliciously Spicy and Savory Indonesian Street Food

Table of Contents

 Seblak Gacoan Recipe: A Deliciously Spicy and Savory Indonesian Street Food

Seblak is a beloved Indonesian street food that has won the hearts of many with its spicy, savory, and satisfying flavors. Originating from West Java, this dish has become popular throughout Indonesia, and its version from Gacoan restaurant is particularly famous for its bold, fiery taste. In this article, we will dive into the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making a delicious and authentic Seblak Gacoan at home.

What is Seblak Gacoan?

Seblak is a dish that primarily consists of soft, chewy crackers (krupuk) cooked in a spicy, savory broth. While the base ingredients remain the same, Seblak Gacoan, in particular, is known for its use of a special chili paste that gives the dish an intense kick of heat. The Gacoan version typically features a combination of crackers, noodles, and an assortment of toppings like meatballs, eggs, and vegetables, all cooked in a rich, flavorful broth.

The dish's popularity has surged in recent years, partly due to its unique blend of spices and textures, as well as the way it caters to those who enjoy a good level of heat in their food. Whether enjoyed as a late-night snack or a quick meal, Seblak Gacoan is a dish that offers comfort and excitement in every bite.

Ingredients for Seblak Gacoan

To recreate Seblak Gacoan at home, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 100g krupuk (fried crackers): You can use any type of krupuk, but the most commonly used ones are the crispy tapioca crackers or prawn crackers.
• 100g instant noodles: The noodles should be soft and cooked quickly, which is why instant noodles are an excellent choice.
• 2 eggs: Eggs add a creamy texture and richness to the broth, making the dish more satisfying.
• 100g meatballs (bakso): You can either use store-bought meatballs or make your own. These add a chewy texture to the dish.
• 1 medium carrot, sliced thinly: For a hint of sweetness and crunch.
• 1 small onion, sliced thinly: For flavor and aroma.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: To enhance the taste of the broth.

Spice Paste:

• 10 dried red chilies (or adjust according to your spice tolerance): This is the main ingredient for the fiery spiciness of the dish.
• 5 fresh red chilies: These provide extra heat and flavor.
• 2 shallots: Shallots offer a more delicate sweetness compared to onions.
• 2 cloves garlic: For added depth to the spice paste.
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi): This gives the dish a savory umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar: To balance the heat with a bit of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For frying the spice paste.

Seasoning and Broth:

• 2 cups of water or broth: The base for your dish, adding richness and depth to the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: For saltiness and color.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: For an extra umami punch.
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis): To bring some sweetness to balance the heat.

How to Make Seblak Gacoan

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go step by step on how to prepare Seblak Gacoan.

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste

Start by making the spice paste, which is the soul of the dish. In a blender or food processor, combine the dried red chilies, fresh red chilies, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, palm sugar, and salt. Blend everything until it forms a smooth paste. You can adjust the amount of dried chilies to your liking depending on how spicy you want your Seblak Gacoan.

Step 2: Fry the Spice Paste

In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the spice paste and sauté it until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, and the paste will turn a darker red color.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs and Vegetables

Once the spice paste is cooked, add the sliced onions and garlic to the pan. Stir-fry them for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Next, add the meatballs and sliced carrots, stirring occasionally, and let them cook for about 5 minutes. The meatballs should be heated through and the carrots slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Now it’s time to make the flavorful broth. Pour in the water or broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sweet soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the broth simmer for about 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Crackers and Noodles

While the broth is simmering, break the krupuk into smaller pieces and add them to the pan. Stir them around so they absorb the flavor of the broth and soften. Next, add the instant noodles to the pan. Cook everything together for about 2-3 minutes, just until the noodles are soft and the crackers have absorbed the broth.

Step 6: Add the Eggs

Crack the eggs directly into the pan, one at a time. Stir the dish gently to distribute the eggs into the broth. You can cook the eggs to your preferred level of doneness. Some people like their eggs soft-boiled, while others prefer them fully cooked. It’s up to you!

Step 7: Final Touches

Once the noodles, crackers, and eggs are cooked, your Seblak Gacoan is almost ready! Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, soy sauce, or sugar as needed.

Serving Your Seblak Gacoan

Serve your Seblak Gacoan hot, with the broth and toppings like the meatballs, eggs, and vegetables. You can garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or fried shallots for an added crunch and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Seblak Gacoan

1. Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of extremely spicy food, feel free to reduce the amount of dried chilies and fresh chilies in the spice paste. You can also add more palm sugar to balance out the heat.
2. Use Homemade Meatballs: If you want a more authentic touch, try making your own meatballs. You can use ground beef or chicken, mixed with breadcrumbs, garlic, and spices, then roll them into balls and fry them before adding to the dish.
3. Add Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meatballs with tofu or tempeh. Both options add a great texture and are perfect for soaking up the broth.
4. Make It More Filling: You can add other vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or cabbage to increase the dish’s nutritional value and texture.
5. Serve with Pickles: In Indonesia, Seblak is often enjoyed with a side of pickles. The acidity of the pickles complements the spiciness of the dish beautifully.

Conclusion

Seblak Gacoan is a rich and flavorful Indonesian dish that combines the heat of chili, the savory depth of spices, and the comforting texture of soft crackers and noodles. With its bold and satisfying flavors, it’s no wonder that this street food has become a favorite among food lovers. Now that you have the recipe, why not give it a try? With a little preparation and the right ingredients, you can enjoy the delicious, spicy goodness of Seblak Gacoan right in your own home!