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Learn how to make these delicious Malaysian kuih care berlauk in the oven without using any special mold.
What is kuih cara berlauk?
Kuih Cara Berlauk is a traditional Malaysian savory bite-size snack. “Cara” means a small mold or pan, and “berlauk” translates to “with toppings,” indicating that this kuih is filled with savory toppings.
Do I need a special mold?
Traditional kuih cara berlauk is cooked in a special mold similar to the one used to make kuih bahulu. The mold is preheated on the stove and then the batter is poured into the mold and cook. I don’t have the special mold. I use mini muffin cups to bake them in the oven instead of baking them on the stove.
Kuih Cara Berlauk (Oven-method)
Ingredients
Batter:
- 200 g water
- 200 g coconut milk
- 50 g egg from 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- Small pinch turmeric powder
Toppings:
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 150 g ground chicken or ground beef
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt or more to taste
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large red jalapeno pepper seeded, diced
- 2 stalks green onion finely chopped
- Crispy fried shallots optional
Instructions
Prepare the topping: (can be done a few days before)
- You can prepare the topping a few days before. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to one week
- Preheat oil in a skillet. Add onion and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the ground meat along with the spices and seasonings and keep stir frying for another minute. Add the water and bring to a simmer and let it cook until the beef absorbs the flavor and the liquid evaporates.
- The meat mixture should be moist and not water. Have a taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Set aside to let it cool down completely
Prepare the pancake batter:
- Combine water, coconut milk, sugar, salt, egg, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl using a whisk.
- Sift in the flour, and turmeric powder. If the batter is lumpy, strain it
- While preparing the pancake batter, grease the mini muffin pan or cups with some oil. Place the cups on top of a baking pan. Put the muffin pan inside the oven and let them preheat with the oven at 330 F (165 C) for conventional oven, 300 F (150 C) for convection oven
Baking:
- Remove the preheated pan or cups from the oven. Use a non-stick spray to spray the pan/cups or use oil to grease the pan/cups. Pour the batter into the mold, about 3/4 full.
- Add the topping and sprinkle with some red chili and green onion
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean with a bit of sticky crumb is okay, but it shouldn't be wet. If you use regular muffin size pan, you will need to add another 5 minutes and check
- Remove the pan from the oven and let them cool down in the pan for 5 minutes and then remove using a rubber spatula onto a serving platter
- Clean the pan/cups if any of the cake batter stuck to the pan. Let the pan preheat again for 10-15 minutes and repeat the same steps to cook the rest of the batter
To serve:
- Kuih cara berlauk is best served when they are still warm. Sprinkle with some crispy shallots just before serving if you like
*Nutrition facts are just estimates and calculated using online tools*
How to store leftovers
1. Allow the Kuih Cara Berlauk to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the kuih soggy.
2. Place the cooled kuih in an airtight container and put it in a fridge. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the kuih from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.
3. Store the container in the refrigerator. Kuih Cara Berlauk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for the best result.
Can I freeze kuih care berlauk?
You can freeze them for longer storage, though I have to say the texture may change a bit after defrosting. Here’s how:
1. Place the cooled kuih on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Freeze for about 1 hour. They won’t be entirely frozen yet, but will be firm. We are trying to flash-freeze them
2. Transfer the frozen kuih to an airtight freezer bag or container. Label with the date and type of kuih.
3. Store in the freezer for no more than 1 month
How to reheat leftovers
1. Microwave: For frozen kuih, make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge or few hours at room temperature before reheating. Place the kuih on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high power for 30-60 seconds or until warm through
2. Oven: For frozen kuih, make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge or few hours at room temperature before reheating. Place the kuih on a baking sheet, mist it with a bit of water, and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it bake in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5 minutes or until warm through
