Moon shrimp cake facts for kids
Slices of moon shrimp cake
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| Alternative names | Thai-style moon shrimp cake, yueliang xiabing |
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| Place of origin | Taiwan |
Moon shrimp cake (simplified Chinese: 月亮虾饼; traditional Chinese: 月亮蝦餅; pinyin: yuèliàng xiābǐng) is a super popular and tasty snack from Taiwan. It's often found in Thai restaurants across the island. Imagine a crispy, golden pancake filled with a delicious mix of shrimp!
Contents
What is Moon Shrimp Cake?
Moon shrimp cake is a type of xiaochi, which means "small eat" or "snack" in Chinese. Taiwanese cuisine is famous for its many different xiaochi, and this dish is one of the favorites. It's known for its unique texture, being crunchy on the outside and soft and flavorful inside.
How is it Made?
Making moon shrimp cake involves a few simple steps:
- First, fresh shrimp are mixed with garlic and a little bit of pork fat. These ingredients are then mashed or blended together to form a paste.
- Next, this yummy shrimp paste is spread thinly onto a round spring roll wrapper.
- Another spring roll wrapper is placed on top, making a kind of shrimp sandwich.
- The whole cake is then carefully pan-fried until it turns a beautiful golden-brown color and becomes super crispy.
- Once cooked, it's usually cut into wedges, just like a pizza, and served hot.
What Does it Taste Like?
Moon shrimp cake has a wonderful flavor. The shrimp gives it a sweet, savory taste, and the garlic adds a nice kick. The crispy wrappers are a big part of the fun! It's almost always served with a sweet chili sauce, which adds a bit of tang and spice, making each bite even more exciting.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name "Moon shrimp cake" is quite special! It's said to come from the way the finished cake looks. When it's cooked and golden, its round shape reminds people of a bright, full moon in the sky. So, it's a "moon" shaped cake made with "shrimp"!
