Prawn Crackers
Prawn crackers are a type of deep-fried snack made primarily from prawns and are widely consumed, especially in Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their distinctive light texture and prawn flavor, and various types and flavors exist depending on the region and brand. In the Philippines, mass-produced prawn crackers by major snack manufacturers are widely available and are enjoyed as a common everyday snack.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Philippine Peso
- Meal Date
- 1/1/2023
- Food Travel Log
- When a knockoff surpasses the original, people acknowledge it. Prawn Crackers reminiscent of a certain shrimp snack had me thinking, “Did they copy it?!” The crispy texture matches the original, but it’s spicier and more aromatic, pairing well with drinks. It’s so good I don’t care anymore.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Prawn Crackers are a snack food made primarily from shrimp and are especially popular throughout Southeast Asia. In addition to countries such as the Philippines, prawn crackers have developed in East and South Asia, featuring diverse local variations. This article focuses on the "Oishi" brand prawn crackers distributed for local consumption in Baguio, Philippines.
History and Development
The origins of shrimp-flavored snack foods are ancient, starting with Indonesia's "Krupuk Udang" and spreading through Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China among many regions using traditional preparation methods. Typically, these snacks are made by blending shrimp with tapioca flour or wheat flour, seasoning, forming into a dough, and then drying them. Once dried, they are deep-fried to expand, resulting in a crisp texture and unique seafood flavor.
In the Philippines, prawn crackers are also widely consumed, with many manufacturers offering their own styles and flavors. Since the 1980s, leading domestic snack brands such as "Oishi" and "Jack 'n Jill" have industrialized the production of prawn crackers, making them widely available across a diverse market.
Production and Characteristics
The general manufacturing process for prawn crackers is as follows: shrimp, wheat flour, tapioca starch, and seasonings are mixed and processed into a paste, then shaped into sheets or rods. After drying and cutting, they are deep-fried. The exposure to high temperatures during frying causes the dough to expand rapidly, resulting in the distinctive crispy texture.
"Oishi" is a representative brand born in the Philippines. Its prawn cracker line is known for its slightly thick and robust crunch, rich shrimp flavor, and a variety of regional flavors. Recent variations like "Sweet & Extra Hot" add sweetness or spiciness to the traditional savory shrimp taste. The colorful package designs are also a signature of the brand, making the snacks popular across generations.
Regional Characteristics and Local Culture
Prawn Crackers in the Philippines
In the Philippines, prawn crackers are eaten as a household snack, at parties and festivals, or as a bar snack (referred to as "pulutan" in Filipino). They are easily available at supermarkets, "sari-sari" stores (neighborhood shops), and even through vendors on public transportation, and are widely distributed in places such as the capital Manila and regional cities like Baguio.
In resort areas or tourist cities, there is high demand for prawn crackers as souvenirs aimed at visitors. A wide variety is readily available, ranging from products that emphasize natural shrimp flavor to those featuring garlic, spicy, cheese, and other inventive flavors.
International Popularity and Impact
Prawn crackers are sold not only in the Philippines but also throughout Southeast Asia and in markets with prominent Chinese communities, including the United States, Canada, and Japan. While localized versions are available in each country, many imitation and similar products from other companies are also widely marketed alongside the originals.
Japan's "Kappa Ebisen" is also known as a product made with similar ingredients and methods, and there is ongoing interest in comparing the two as well as in how local consumers perceive the differences in flavor and texture.
Nutritional Value and Health Aspects
As prawn crackers are snacks deep-fried at high temperatures, they tend to have a high energy density and should be eaten in moderation due to their fat and salt content. On the other hand, they do contain shrimp-derived protein and trace minerals, so, in moderate amounts, they can be enjoyed as a snack or accompaniment to alcoholic beverages.