Ukoy Recipe (Shrimp Fritter)

Ukoy is the Filipino version of shrimp fritters. Small shrimps with head and shell on are mixed in a batter and fried until crispy. This is can be an appetizer, a main dish, or a mid afternoon snack. Several variations of this dish exists, the most common ingredients that are mixed with shrimps are mung bean sprouts and julienned calabaza squash. There are also other ukoy variations wherein small fish are used instead of shrimp.

I learned to eat Ukoy when I was still a kid. Every afternoon, our trusted vendor peddles this dish along with other merienda items.  I enjoy having it dipped in spicy vinegar such as sinamak or pinakurat.

The secret to a good Ukoy is its texture. You can put any ingredient that you want as long as it is within the norm but it should come out extra crispy. During my first few tries, I was not satisfied with the texture. Although the taste was extremely superb, the texture is a bit soggy. Instead of giving-up, I did several more experiments and finally got the crispy texture that I wanted. How did I do it? I simply changed the flour and cornstarch ratio by adding more cornstarch and decreasing the amount of flour.

I used small dried shrimps instead of the fresh small ones for this recipe. I can’t find the right sized fresh or even packaged shrimps in my area. It turned out that the dried shrimps are more flavorful than the fresh shrimps that I usually use.

Are you craving for Ukoy?

Try this recipe and let me know your thoughts.

Print Pin

Ukoy Recipe (Shrimp Fritter)

This is a recipe for Ukoy Recipe (Shrimp Fritter)

Course Shrimp

Cuisine Filipino

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes

Total Time 11 minutes

Servings 3

Author Vanjo Merano

Ingredients

• 1 cup small shrimps cleaned
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups mung bean sprouts togue
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 piece raw egg
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 cups cooking oil

Instructions

• 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!

Nutrition

Serving: 3g

Watch the Video on How to Cook Ukoy