The base of the meal consists of fresh prawns, preferably five to six per serving, mixed with a fragrant mixture of galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, garlic, shallots, turmeric, tamarind, and chili powder. This flavorful medley creates an intense, savory aroma that will fill your kitchen as soon as it hits the skillet.
Once these ingredients are combined, they are then cooked in a rich, creamy sauce of coconut milk, palm sugar, and fish sauce. The result is a mellow, yet full-bodied flavor, with notes of sweetness, tartness, and umami.
Kare rajungan is traditionally served with steamed white rice, but it can also be enjoyed with a side of crispy fried shallots for crunch, sambal for spice, and a sprig of kaffir lime leaves for a hint of tanginess. If you’re wanting to add some extra texture, lontong (rice cake) is a great accompaniment too.
Whether you’re a fan of seafood or not, this dish is sure to please your taste buds. The flavors are complex, yet well balanced, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. With its delectable blend of savory and sweet, kare rajungan is one dish that is sure to leave you longing for more.
Kare Rajungan is a traditional Indonesian dish that has been around for centuries, however, it's origins remain quite mysterious. Some speculate that it was the result of an attempt to replicate the taste of Japanese dishes like tempura, while others believe it to have been invented in the kitchens of the royal court of Yogyakarta. There is also some evidence that it was created by the Javanese people when adapting Chinese dishes for local taste buds.
Whatever its exact origin, this spicy and aromatic dish has become a popular addition to tables across Indonesia and beyond. Although it's believed to have originated from Yogyakarta, it can now be found in many cities throughout the country.
The most likely explanation for the dish's unusual name comes from the words 'Kare' (curry) and 'Rajungan' (shrimp). This makes sense when you consider the main ingredients of the dish, which are shrimp - typically small whole freshwater shrimp, called ebi - and a rich and fragrant curry-like sauce made with cloves, cinnamon, chili peppers, turmeric and other spices.
This combination of flavors and textures, served with white rice, deliver an alluring blend of spice and sweetness, creating an explosion of flavor in each bite. It's certainly a dish that elevates the senses and tantalises the taste buds.
Kare Rajungan is a firm favorite among Indonesians, with each region adding its own distinct twist to the classic recipe. In West Java, for example, it is often served with sambal kacang - a sweet and spicy peanut-based sauce - while in East Java tamarind juice is added to the curry paste to create a unique sour-sweet taste.
No matter which variation you try, you're sure to appreciate the unique medley of flavors that make up this astoundingly delicious dish. If you haven't already given Kare Rajungan a try, then it's high time you did it!
When it comes to Indonesian cuisine, one of the most popular dishes is Kare Rajungan. Rich, creamy and packed with flavor, it’s definitely a must-try when in Indonesia. What’s even more interesting is the variety of ways an individual can create this classic dish. From a mild, fragrant curry or a veggie-packed version, to a spicy and savory version, there’s a lot to love about Kare Rajungan.
The base for this dish starts with a spicy and fragrant yellow curry, usually made from a mix of ground and fresh spices. To the deftly prepared curry paste, you can add a variety of vegetables and proteins for some extra texture and flavor. One of the most common ingredients used is jicama, which adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish. Plus, since jicama is low in calories and carbs, it’s a great way to round out the meal. Other typical ingredients include okra, eggplant, and tempeh – all of which provide a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
To give the dish a bit of creaminess, cooks typically add coconut milk to the mix. This brings the dish to its signature consistency. However, to add more complexity to the dish, cooks may opt to use different types of cream, like heavy cream, evaporated milk, or sour cream. Each one will add its own unique flavor profile and will bring something new to the table. For a lighter option, you can also opt for coconut cream – it still gives a creamy, silky texture but without being as heavy as the other creams.
At the end of the cooking process, cooks usually add nuts or shredded coconut for added richness. And for a bit of zing, fresh lime juice is typically added at the very end. This final touch helps bring out the flavor of the dish and makes each bite a truly tantalizing experience.
No matter how it's made, Kare Rajungan is always a delicious and hearty meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eater. From meat eaters to vegetarians, there’s something for everyone in this classic Indonesian dish. Give it a try and see what creativity you can bring to the table with Kare Rajungan!