Kuih Cara Berlauk (Oven-method)

Course: Appetizer, Kue

Cuisine: Malaysian

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 45

Servings: pieces (mini muffin size)

Calories: 35kcal

Author: Marvellina

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.

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US Customary - Metric

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