Table of Contents
Introduction
Apam balik is a beloved Malaysian street food that resembles a pancake. It is commonly filled with a mixture of crushed peanuts, sweet corn, and sugar, creating a delightful blend of crunchy and sweet flavors. The pancake is then folded in half, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
Ingredients for Apam Balik
The ingredients for Apam Balik typically include the following:
For the Batter:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 50g rice flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 eggs
- 300ml water or milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 100g crushed peanuts
- 50g granulated sugar
- 50g sweet corn (optional)
- Butter or margarine
Optional Toppings:
- Creamed corn
- Grated coconut
- Chocolate chips
These ingredients come together to create the deliciously crunchy and sweet pancake known as Apam Balik.
How To Make Apam Balik
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the water or milk. Mix well.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed peanuts and granulated sugar. Set aside.
3. Cook the Apam Balik:
- Heat a non-stick pan or a griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a little butter or margarine.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and swirl it around to form a thin, even layer.
- Cook the batter until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges begin to set.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the peanut and sugar mixture over the pancake, and add some sweet corn if desired.
- Dot small pieces of butter or margarine over the filling.
4. Fold and Serve:
- Once the bottom is golden brown and the pancake is cooked through, fold it in half.
- Remove the pancake from the pan and let it cool slightly on a wire rack to retain its crispiness.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
5. Enjoy:
- Serve the Apam Balik warm and enjoy the crispy, sweet treat!
This recipe will yield several Apam Balik pancakes, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Variations for Apam Balik
There are several delicious variations of Apam Balik to try, each offering a unique twist on the traditional recipe. Here are some popular ones:
1. Chocolate Apam Balik
- Filling: Replace or add to the traditional filling with chocolate chips or Nutella.
- Toppings: Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with cocoa powder.
2. Cheese Apam Balik
- Filling: Add shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) to the traditional peanut and sugar mixture.
- Toppings: Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a gooey, cheesy delight.
3. Banana Apam Balik
- Filling: Add slices of ripe banana to the traditional filling.
- Toppings: Drizzle with honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
4. Durian Apam Balik
- Filling: Add durian flesh to the traditional filling for a rich and creamy twist.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with extra sugar to balance the strong durian flavor.
5. Coconut Apam Balik
- Filling: Mix grated coconut with the traditional peanut and sugar filling.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with extra coconut and sugar.
6. Red Bean Apam Balik
- Filling: Spread a layer of sweet red bean paste in addition to the traditional filling.
- Toppings: Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.
7. Matcha Apam Balik
- Batter: Add a teaspoon of matcha (green tea) powder to the batter for a subtle tea flavor.
- Filling: Traditional filling or add white chocolate chips for a complementary sweetness.
8. Fruit Apam Balik
- Filling: Add a mix of chopped fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mango to the traditional filling.
- Toppings: Drizzle with fruit syrup or honey.
These variations allow you to explore different flavors and ingredients while enjoying the delightful texture and taste of Apam Balik.
How To Store Apam Balik
To store Apam Balik and keep it fresh, follow these steps:
Storing at Room Temperature
- Cool Completely: Allow the Apam Balik to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each Apam Balik in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag.
- Airtight Container: Place the wrapped pancakes in an airtight container.
- Store: Store the container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
Refrigerating
- Cool Completely: Let the Apam Balik cool to room temperature.
- Wrap and Seal: Wrap each Apam Balik in plastic wrap or place them in resealable plastic bags, then put them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, or heat them in a toaster oven or on a non-stick pan until warm and crispy.
Freezing
- Cool Completely: Ensure the Apam Balik is completely cooled.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each pancake tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped pancakes in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
- Store: Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Thaw the pancakes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy.
Tips
- Avoid Moisture: Make sure the pancakes are wrapped tightly to avoid moisture and air exposure, which can affect their texture.
- Reheat Properly: Reheating in an oven or toaster oven is recommended to maintain the crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pancakes soggy.
Benefits of enjoying a Apam Balik
Enjoying Apam Balik offers several benefits, ranging from its delicious taste to its cultural significance and nutritional value:
1. Delicious Taste and Texture
- Flavor Combination: Apam Balik combines sweet and nutty flavors with a delightful mix of textures—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Variety: It can be customized with various fillings and toppings, making it enjoyable for different taste preferences.
2. Cultural Experience
- Culinary Tradition: Apam Balik is a traditional Malaysian street food, and enjoying it offers a taste of Malaysian culture and heritage.
- Social Activity: It is often enjoyed at markets and fairs, providing a social and communal eating experience.
3. Nutritional Benefits
- Energy Boost: The combination of carbohydrates from the pancake and protein from the peanuts provides a good source of energy.
- Healthy Fats: Peanuts contain healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The fillings can add nutritional value, such as fiber from sweet corn and antioxidants from ingredients like matcha or fruits.
4. Versatility
- Customization: Apam Balik can be tailored to suit dietary preferences and needs, including adding healthy ingredients like fruits or reducing sugar content for a healthier version.
- Enjoyable Anytime: It can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a light meal, making it a versatile food choice.
5. Homemade Convenience
- Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple and accessible, and the process of making Apam Balik at home can be a fun and rewarding culinary activity.
- Family-Friendly: Making Apam Balik can be a great activity to share with family and friends, allowing everyone to participate and enjoy the cooking process.
6. Cultural Appreciation
- Learning Opportunity: Trying Apam Balik can spark interest in exploring other Malaysian dishes and learning more about the rich culinary traditions of Malaysia.
- Cultural Connection: It can provide a connection to Malaysian culture for those who live abroad or for anyone interested in global cuisines.
FAQs
1. Where are Apam Balik from?
Apam Balik is from Malaysia.
2. Does Apam Balik have egg?
Yes, Apam Balik typically contains eggs as part of its batter.
3. How to make Apam Balik crispy?
To make Apam Balik crispy, ensure the following:
1. Cook on medium-high heat with a well-greased pan or griddle.
2. Spread the batter thinly and evenly.
3. Cook until the edges are golden brown and crispy before folding.
4. Use a generous amount of butter or margarine during cooking for extra crispiness.
4. Is Apam Balik vegetarian?
Apam Balik can be vegetarian depending on the ingredients used. The basic version of Apam Balik itself is vegetarian, but variations with non-vegetarian fillings like meats or animal-based fats may not be.
5. Is Apam Balik healthy?
Apam Balik, like many sweet snacks, is delicious but may not be considered particularly healthy due to its high sugar and calorie content.
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