Bakwan Jagung (Indonesian Corn Fritters)

About This Recipe

Bakwan jagung are among the most popular fried snacks (gorengan) found across Indonesia, sweet corn kernels bound in a light, seasoned batter and fried until the edges turn deeply golden and crisp. The batter is kept thin, just enough to bind the corn together, so the fritters stay light and let the corn's natural sweetness shine through against the savory background of garlic, coriander and scallion. Sold hot from street carts alongside other gorengan like tempeh and banana fritters, bakwan jagung are best eaten fresh with a drizzle of sambal or a side of fresh chile sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 3 cupscorn kernels(fresh or frozen)
• 3/4 cupall-purpose flour
• 2 tbsprice flour
• 2eggs
• 3scallions(chopped)
• 3 clovesgarlic(minced)
• 1 tspground coriander
• 1 tspsalt
• 1/2 tspwhite pepper
• 1/3 cupwater(approximate, as needed)
• 2 cupsvegetable oil(for frying)

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the batter

   Combine corn kernels, flour, rice flour, eggs, scallions, garlic, coriander, salt and white pepper, adding just enough water to form a thick, cohesive batter.

2. 2

   Heat the oil

   Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet to 350F/175C.

3. 3

   Fry

   Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly, and fry 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp.

   Flatten each spoonful of batter slightly as it hits the oil, so the fritter cooks through evenly without a raw center.

4. 4

   Drain

   Drain on paper towels.

5. 5

   Serve

   Serve hot with sambal or chile sauce.

Variations

• •

  Adding diced carrot or shrimp to the batter gives extra flavor and texture.

• •

  A spicier version mixes a bit of chopped chile directly into the batter.

• •

  Using fresh corn cut straight off the cob gives the best sweetness, though frozen corn works well too.

Storage

Best eaten fresh and hot; refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days and reheat in an oven or air fryer to help re-crisp rather than microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions