lautnusantara.com - Chikuwa is a Japanese food made from fish paste that is formed into cylindrical shapes. The process of making chikuwa involves boiling and grilling until it acquires a chewy texture. Here are the steps to make chikuwa:

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of fish meat (usually using mackerel or white fish, but a mixture of fish can also be used)
• 50 grams of potato starch (or cornstarch)
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of fish extract (optional, for a richer flavor)
• Bamboo skewers or satay sticks for shaping the chikuwa

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the fish meat, rinse it thoroughly, and drain off excess water. If using fish fillets, ensure there are no bones remaining.
2. Cut the fish into small pieces for easier blending.
3. Place the fish pieces into a blender or food processor. Process the fish until it becomes a smooth paste.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the blended fish with potato starch, egg white, salt, sugar, ground black pepper, and fish extract (if using).
5. Mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes a homogeneous dough that can be easily shaped.
6. Heat a pot of water until it reaches boiling point. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the clean bamboo skewers or satay sticks.
7. Take a small amount of chikuwa dough and wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Shape the dough into long cylinders and wrap it tightly around the bamboo skewers or satay sticks.
8. Once the water is boiling, add the shaped chikuwa into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
9. Remove the chikuwa from the pot, drain the excess water, and let them sit for a moment to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
10. Grill the chikuwa on a griddle or grill pan over medium heat until the surface turns golden brown and the chikuwa is fully cooked. Flip the chikuwa to ensure even cooking.

Chikuwa is ready to be served as a snack or used as an ingredient in traditional Japanese dishes like oden (Japanese hotpot) or can be enjoyed on its own. Enjoy chikuwa with your favorite dipping sauce or add it to your favorite Japanese recipes. Happy cooking!

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