Cucur udang, or prawn fritters, is a delightful Malaysian snack that combines the crunchiness of fried batter with the succulent taste of prawns. Perfect for any occasion, these fritters are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of prawns, chives, and bean sprouts creates a burst of flavors that is simply irresistible.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pay special attention to a few ingredients. Fresh prawns are essential for the best flavor, so make sure they are peeled and deveined. Chives add a subtle onion-like flavor, while bean sprouts provide a satisfying crunch. These ingredients might not be in your pantry, so a trip to the supermarket may be necessary.

Ingredients For Cucur Udang Prawn Fritters
Prawns: Fresh prawns, peeled and deveined, are the star of this dish, providing a sweet and succulent taste.
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the batter, giving the fritters their structure and crispiness.
Baking powder: Helps the batter rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fritters.
Water: Used to mix the batter to the right consistency.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
Chives: Adds a mild onion-like flavor and a touch of color to the fritters.
Bean sprouts: Provides a crunchy texture and fresh taste.
Oil for frying: Essential for frying the fritters to a golden brown perfection.
Technique Tip for Prawn Fritters
When preparing the batter for prawn fritters, ensure that the water is cold. Cold water helps to create a lighter and crispier texture in the fritters. Additionally, when adding the prawns, make sure they are thoroughly dried with paper towels to prevent excess moisture, which can make the batter soggy. When frying, maintain a consistent medium heat to ensure the fritters cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color without burning.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
prawns - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an excellent alternative.
prawns - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu provides a similar texture and can absorb flavors well.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour will give a lighter, crispier texture to the fritters.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour adds a nutty flavor and is a good gluten-free option.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Combine ¼ teaspoon baking soda with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon baking powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami depth.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more flavor to the batter.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoon water to replace one egg, suitable for a vegan option.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
bean sprouts - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage provides a similar crunch and can be used in equal amounts.
oil for frying - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle, pleasant flavor to the fritters.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Prawn Fritters
How to Store / Freeze Prawn Fritters
Allow the prawn fritters to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled fritters in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the fritters within 2-3 days.
For longer storage, place the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the fritters to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the fritters in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
For an extra crispy texture, consider reheating the fritters in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
Serve the reheated fritters with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the prawn fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray or brush the fritters with a bit of oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the prawn fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of oil to the skillet.
- Place the prawn fritters in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are warmed through and crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the prawn fritters on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through, until they are heated through. Note: This method may not retain the crispiness as well as the other methods.
Best Tools for Making Prawn Fritters
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the flour, baking powder, salt, water, and egg into a smooth batter.
Whisk: This will help you mix the ingredients together until smooth.
Chopping board: Essential for chopping the chives.
Knife: Use this to finely chop the chives.
Frying pan: Heat the oil in this to fry the prawn fritters.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the fritters to ensure they cook evenly.
Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the water and flour accurately.
Measuring spoons: These will help you measure the baking powder and salt precisely.
Paper towels: Place the cooked fritters on these to drain excess oil.
Slotted spoon: This will help you remove the fritters from the hot oil without bringing too much oil along.
How to Save Time on Making Prawn Fritters
Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel and devein the prawns ahead of time, and chop the chives and measure out the bean sprouts.
Use a mixing bowl with a spout: This makes it easier to pour the batter into the hot oil without making a mess.
Preheat the oil: Start heating the oil while you mix the batter to save time.
Batch frying: Fry multiple fritters at once to reduce cooking time.
Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform fritters and speeds up the process of dropping batter into the oil.

Cucur Udang Prawn Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- to taste oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 2. Add water and egg, mix until smooth.
- 3. Stir in prawns, chives, and bean sprouts.
- 4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, fry until golden brown.
- 6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for Prawn Fritters
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