Craving a delicious and easy treat that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than Apam Balik, a popular Malaysian street food that's guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen! This delightful pancake, with its crispy edges and fluffy interior, is filled with a sweet and nutty mixture that's irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through making this amazing homemade dish. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up this delicious snack for your family or friends!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides enough batter for approximately 6-8 Apam Balik, depending on the size of your pan.
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For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
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For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure there are no lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the melted butter. Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer apam balik.
Cooking the Apam Balik:
- Heat a lightly oiled nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. You'll want a relatively flat surface for even cooking.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot pan, spreading it into a thin, round pancake of about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You'll know it's ready to flip when the edges start to look slightly dry and the top looks set.
- Once flipped, immediately sprinkle half of the chopped peanuts and sugar over one half of the pancake.
- Drizzle melted butter over the peanuts and sugar.
- Carefully fold the other half of the pancake over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
- Cook for another minute or so, to allow the filling to melt and the pancake to crisp up.
Serving:
- Remove the Apam Balik from the pan and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Tips for the Best Apam Balik:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough apam balik. Mix until just combined.
- Use a non-stick pan: This prevents sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Adjust the heat: Medium heat is ideal. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; too low, and the pancake will be soggy.
- Get creative with fillings: While peanuts and sugar are traditional, feel free to experiment with other fillings like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even corn kernels.
Variations:
- Sweet Corn Apam Balik: Add 1/4 cup of sweet corn kernels to the batter for a delightful twist.
- Chocolate Apam Balik: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter and use chocolate chips as a filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. Consider using a nutrition calculator for a precise measurement based on your ingredients. However, expect Apam Balik to be relatively high in carbohydrates and fat, but also a good source of protein and some essential nutrients from the peanuts and coconut milk.
Making Apam Balik is a fun and rewarding experience. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or even a light meal. Enjoy the delicious taste of Malaysian street food from the comfort of your own kitchen!