Homemade Popiah

Malaysian Homemade Popiah Recipe with Shrimp and Vegetables

Region / culture: Malaysia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Popiah is a popular fresh spring roll dish in Malaysia and Singapore, made with a thin, paper-like crepe filled with a variety of vegetables, meat, and condiments. It is a delicious and healthy snack or meal that is enjoyed by many.

History

Popiah is believed to have originated in Fujian, China, and was brought to Southeast Asia by Chinese immigrants. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, making it a unique and beloved dish in Malaysia and Singapore.

Ingredients

30 – 50 g of cornstarch (to make glue)
70 – 100 g of carrots, julienne
70 – 100 g of cucumbers, peeled, cores removed and cut into strips of 3 cm long for topping
300 g of Chinese lettuce
350 g of turnips, julienne (sengkuang in Malay)
100 g of french beans, sliced finely
50 g of shallots, sliced finely and fried till crispy
1 tsp of chopped garlic
50 g of small shrimp, shelled and boiled and chopped (or with other white meat) (optional)
3 chicken eggs, beat the eggs with 1 tsp salt, fry thin omelettes and cut into strips for topping
100 g of sweet chilli sauce (to taste)
50 g of red chilies, washed and pounded (blended) (optional)
100 g of crushed peanuts (peanuts must be fried)

How to prepare

Filling

Heat oil and fry garlic until fragrant.
Add French beans, carrots, and turnips.
Braise with stock until soft.
Add seasoning (soy sauce, preferred) and reduce until the gravy is almost dry.
Remove cooked vegetables and strain to separate the gravy stock.

Sweet Sauce

Grind fresh red chilies in a blender to make fresh red chili paste.
Fry chopped garlic until golden brown.
Pound peanuts to crush them.

Popiah

To roll popiah: Spread sweet sauce onto the skin, followed by chili (optional).

Variations

Vegetarian popiah: Omit the meat and add more vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Seafood popiah: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat to the filling for a seafood twist.
Spicy popiah: Add more chili paste or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a non-stick pan to cook the popiah skin to prevent sticking.

- Make sure to julienne the vegetables thinly for easy rolling.

- Seal the popiah tightly to prevent the filling from falling out.

- Serve the popiah immediately after rolling to enjoy it fresh and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve homemade popiah as a snack, appetizer, or light meal with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: Cook the vegetables and meat in a hot pan with oil until tender.

- Rolling: Carefully roll the filling in the popiah skin to create a tight and neat spring roll.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tofu or tempeh instead of meat for a vegetarian option.

- Substitute gluten-free popiah skin for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling and popiah skin ahead of time and assemble the popiah just before serving to keep it fresh and crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the popiah neatly on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve homemade popiah with a side of hot tea or a refreshing fruit juice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover popiah in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan or oven until warm before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of homemade popiah contains approximately 150-200 calories, making it a light and healthy snack or meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of homemade popiah contains approximately 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the vegetables and popiah skin.

Fats

Homemade popiah is a low-fat dish, with only about 5-10 grams of fat per serving, mostly from the peanuts and cooking oil used in the recipe.

Proteins

Each serving of homemade popiah provides around 5-10 grams of protein, mainly from the meat and peanuts in the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Popiah is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber from the variety of vegetables used in the filling.

Alergens

Popiah may contain allergens such as peanuts, gluten (from the popiah skin), and soy (from the soy sauce used in the filling). It is important to check for allergens before consuming.

Summary

Homemade popiah is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

Summary

Homemade popiah is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make at home. With a variety of fillings and flavors to choose from, it is a versatile and customizable dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Homemade Popiah. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Malaysia. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for our family.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to work on the recipe, my grandmother told me the story behind it. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, originating from my great-grandmother who had learned it from a friend in another village many years ago.

The key to making delicious Homemade Popiah, my grandmother said, was in the preparation of the filling. We started by finely chopping a variety of vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and beansprouts. We then seasoned the mixture with a blend of spices and sauces, creating a savory and flavorful filling that would be the star of our dish.

Next, we prepared the wrappers for the popiah. My grandmother showed me how to make the thin, delicate crepes from scratch, using a simple batter of flour, water, and a pinch of salt. She expertly spread the batter onto a hot griddle, swirling it around to create a thin, even layer that would become the perfect wrapper for our popiah.

Once the wrappers were cooked, we began to assemble the popiah. My grandmother spooned a generous portion of the vegetable filling onto each crepe, along with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a drizzle of sweet hoisin sauce. She showed me how to fold the popiah tightly, tucking in the sides to create a neat and compact roll.

Finally, it was time to enjoy our creation. My family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting to taste the Homemade Popiah that my grandmother and I had worked so hard to prepare. As we each took a bite, the flavors exploded in our mouths – the crisp vegetables, the crunchy peanuts, the tangy sauce – all coming together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, Homemade Popiah became a staple in our family gatherings. Whenever there was a special occasion or a holiday, my grandmother would bring out her trusty recipe and we would spend hours in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as we rolled out dozens of popiah for our loved ones to enjoy.

As the years passed, I continued to make Homemade Popiah for my own family, passing down the recipe and the tradition to my children and grandchildren. Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of the love and care that went into preparing it, and the joy that it brings to those who taste it.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of my childhood, just whip up a batch of Homemade Popiah and let the memories come flooding back. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.