Prawn crackers. Whether you eat them as a crispy side dish with nasi goreng, serve them as a snack with drinks, or enjoy them straight from the bag, they are a beloved snack in many households. But the shelves are packed with options: from traditional Indonesian krupuk to Korean shrimp crackers, and from ready-to-eat bags to uncooked slices for home-frying.
Choosing the right kind can be trickier than you might think. Many consumers fall into the same traps: they pay for an "authentic" product that tastes mostly of salt and oil, or they come home with uncooked crackers when they were looking for a quick snack. Let's take a look at how to avoid these purchasing mistakes.
To make a good choice, it helps to understand a few basic principles. Pay attention to the following specifications on the packaging.
Your first decision is how you want to use the prawn crackers.
The quality of prawn crackers is largely determined by two ingredients.
To help you choose, we've matched some popular options to different preferences.
Why This Fits Their Persona: Ideal for those seeking a reliable and flavourful ready-to-eat snack. These Korean shrimp crackers are ready for drinks, as a snack, or alongside a quick meal. No fuss, just a delicious, crispy snack.
This product bypasses the pitfall of having to fry it yourself. According to the manufacturer Nongshim, it contains 8.5% shrimp, ensuring a distinct and savoury flavour that doesn't just rely on salt.
Ready to eat with a consistent, savoury taste. The unique ribbed shape provides a satisfying crunch.
Why This Fits Their Persona: For the cook who wants to serve an authentic Indonesian meal with the freshest possible prawn crackers. This bulk pack of uncooked crackers is perfect for families, parties, or true enthusiasts.
You completely avoid the pitfall of stale, soggy crackers. Because you fry them yourself, every batch is warm and perfectly crispy. You have full control over freshness and flavour.
Maximum freshness and an authentic taste experience. The 1 kg bulk pack of uncooked prawn crackers offers excellent value for money.
Why This Fits Their Persona: For those who know the standard plain prawn cracker and are looking for a more distinct flavour. This variety offers a sweet and spicy satay profile that makes a nice change of pace for drinks or with an Asian meal.
Instead of a generic "spicy" taste, this product offers a recognisable satay profile. The ingredient list specifies herbs like cumin and ginger, indicating a more well-thought-out flavour profile than just salt and sugar.
A ready-to-eat Conimex prawn cracker with a specific, sweet-and-spicy satay flavour. Made with prawns from Indonesia, according to the manufacturer's product information.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these selection criteria.
Heat a layer of vegetable oil (like sunflower or peanut oil) in a wok or deep pan to about 180°C (350°F). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a small piece; if it starts sizzling and expands immediately, the temperature is right. Fry a few discs at a time. They will expand in seconds. Turn them over quickly and remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon as soon as they are fully expanded and floating. Let them drain on paper towels.
Although they are often served together, they are two different products. Krupuk is usually made from tapioca flour and a flavouring agent like prawns (krupuk udang) or fish (krupuk ikan). Emping is made from the almost-ripe, crushed kernels of the melinjo nut. This gives emping a distinctive, slightly bitter taste and a harder, denser texture.
Moisture is the greatest enemy of crispy prawn crackers. Always store opened bags of ready-to-eat crackers or home-fried crackers in an airtight container or bag in a cool, dry place. Seal the packaging immediately after use to prevent the crackers from going stale.