Sweet Potato Ukoy Recipe

Sweet Potato Ukoy Recipe with Palabok is a delicious Filipino dish combining crispy sweet potato fritters with a rich and flavorful palabok sauce. The unique pairing of sweet potato ukoy and savory palabok sauce creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, this dish will impress your family and friends!

How to Make Sweet Potato Ukoy with Palabok

To make Sweet Potato Ukoy with Palabok, you’ll start by preparing the ukoy batter with shredded sweet potatoes, shrimp, and a crispy coating. Then, you’ll whip up a savory palabok sauce to drizzle over the fritters. The result? A delightful, crunchy appetizer that’s full of flavor!

The ukoy fritters are deep-fried until golden and crunchy, while the palabok sauce, flavored with shrimp broth and annatto powder, adds a delicious umami boost. Serve with vinegar for dipping, and you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Ukoy Recipe

Ukoy Batter:

• 1 cup sweet potato, shredded
• 1 cup shrimp, unshelled (or baby shrimp)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Palabok Sauce:

• 2 cups shrimp broth
• 1 tablespoon annatto powder
• 1 pack Palabok Mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Dipping:

• Coconut nectar vinegar
• Additional green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ukoy Batter

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the egg and water, whisking until a smooth batter forms. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more water to make it runnier.
3. Add sweet potato and shrimp: Fold in the shredded sweet potato and shrimp, making sure they’re evenly coated with the batter.

Step 2: Fry the Ukoy

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter mixture into the oil, flattening them slightly.
2. Fry until golden: Cook the ukoy for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Palabok Sauce

1. Sauté garlic: In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
2. Add broth and annatto powder: Pour in the shrimp broth, annatto powder, and Palabok Mix. Stir well and let it simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Arrange the crispy ukoy on a serving plate, drizzle generously with palabok sauce.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with a side of coconut nectar vinegar for dipping.

Tips for Making the Perfect Sweet Potato Ukoy

1. Keep the batter light: Ensure the batter is not too thick. A thinner, runnier batter will make the ukoy crispier and less doughy.
2. Control the oil temperature: Frying at medium heat helps cook the ukoy evenly. If the oil is too hot, the outside will cook faster than the inside.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Ukoy with Palabok

Sweet Potato Ukoy is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with garlic dipping sauce or coconut vinegar to bring out the savory flavors. Adding a side of creamy palabok dip or even a simple green salad works great for a fuller meal.

Ingredient Substitutes

• Sweet Potato: Substitute with butternut squash for a different flavor.
• Shrimp: If you prefer, use chopped bold shrimp or even a mix of baby shrimps and unshelled shrimp.
• Palabok Mix: You can make the sauce from scratch using garlic, annatto powder, and shrimp broth if you don’t have the mix.
• Cornstarch: Use additional flour if cornstarch is unavailable, but note that cornstarch gives a crispier texture.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Potato Ukoy with Palabok is a wonderful way to enjoy Filipino flavors with a twist. It’s a perfect appetizer that’s both savory and crispy, complemented by the creamy palabok sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a party or a quiet meal at home, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something unique and delicious.

With these tips and step-by-step instructions, you can easily make Sweet Potato Ukoy with Palabok at home. So gather your ingredients, heat up that pan, and get ready to enjoy a Filipino favorite!