Karipap
Malaysian Curry Puffs
Delicate, flaky pastry encasing a savory and aromatic spiced potato and meat filling, deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp. A beloved Malaysian snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300g All-purpose flour(For the pastry dough)
- 75g Butter or shortening, cold and cubed(For the pastry dough, adds flakiness)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(For the pastry dough)
- 120-150ml Ice water(Adjust as needed for dough consistency)
- 400g Potatoes, peeled and diced small(About 2 medium potatoes)
- 2 tbsp Curry powder(Use a good quality Malaysian or Indian curry powder)
- 100g Chicken, finely diced or ground(Optional, for a meatier filling. Can substitute with sardines.)
- 1/2 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Sugar(To balance the flavors)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(For sautéing the filling)
- sufficient amount Oil for deep frying(About 1 liter, enough to generously submerge the karipap)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pastry dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter or shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of fat remaining. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up.
⏱️ 15 minutes active + 30 minutes chilling - 2
Prepare the filling: While the dough is chilling, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until aromatic. Add the diced potatoes and chicken (if using). Pour in about 1/4 cup of water, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. If using sardines, add them towards the end of cooking and break them up gently. Season the filling with sugar and salt to taste. The filling should be moist but not watery. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 3
Assemble the karipap: Lightly flour a clean surface. Divide the chilled dough into 20 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of each disc. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. To create the traditional rope pattern (or 'kuih lidah' pattern), pinch the sealed edge and twist it inwards, repeating along the entire edge. Alternatively, use a fork to crimp the edges.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Fry the karipap: Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 170°C (340°F). Carefully slide a few karipap into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are puffed up and a deep golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon to remove the karipap from the oil and drain them on a wire rack set over paper towels to remove excess oil.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes (in batches)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the butter/shortening and water for the pastry are very cold for a flakier crust.
- ✓Do not overwork the dough, as this will make the pastry tough.
- ✓Make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- ✓Frying at the correct temperature is crucial: too low and they'll absorb too much oil, too high and they'll burn before cooking through.
- ✓The rope pattern crimping is traditional and adds a beautiful finish, but a fork crimp is perfectly acceptable and easier.
- ✓Karipap can also be baked at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown, though they will have a different texture than fried ones.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sardine filling: Use canned sardines in oil or tomato sauce, drained and flaked.
- Vegetarian filling: Omit the chicken and add more potatoes, or include other vegetables like peas or carrots.
- Spicy filling: Add chopped chilies or a pinch of chili flakes to the filling.