How to Make Martabak Bangka: A Delicious Indonesian Snack

            Indonesia is a country renowned for its diverse cuisine, and martabak bangka is one of the most popular snacks in the country. Originating from Bangka island, the dish has gained immense popularity and has become a staple street food across Indonesia. Martabak bangka is a savory pancake made with eggs, meat, and spices, and it is commonly served with sweet and spicy dipping sauces. In this article, we will explore the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for preparing this delicious Indonesian snack.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let's first take a look at the ingredients you will need to make martabak bangka:

For the batter:

250g flour

2 eggs

1 tsp salt

500ml water

1 tbsp cooking oil

For the filling:

500g ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

5 cloves garlic, minced

3 green onions, chopped

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp cooking oil

For the sauce:

Sweet soy sauce

Sambal (chili paste)

Directions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let's start preparing the martabak bangka.

Prepare the batter

In a mixing bowl, add the flour, eggs, salt, and water. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Add cooking oil to the batter and mix well. Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling

In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until they become translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the chopped green onions and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the pancake

Heat a non-stick pan or a griddle over medium heat. Add a little cooking oil and spread it around. Ladle a thin layer of batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Add the meat filling on one side of the pancake. Fold the other side of the pancake over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Cook until the bottom of the pancake is golden brown, then flip it over and cook the other side.

Serve

Cut the pancake into bite-size pieces and serve with sweet soy sauce and sambal. Enjoy your delicious martabak bangka!

Serving Suggestions

Martabak bangka is usually served with sweet soy sauce and sambal. Sweet soy sauce is a thick, sweet, and savory condiment that is perfect for dipping the pancake. Sambal is a chili paste that adds some heat to the dish. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sambal. Some people also like to serve the martabak bangka with pickled vegetables or sliced cucumber.

Health Benefits

While martabak bangka is not necessarily a healthy snack, it does contain some nutrients that are beneficial to the body. Beef is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Onions and garlic contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Green onions are a good source of vitamin K and vitamin C. However, the dish is also high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Tips for Making the Perfect Martabak Bangka

Use a non-stick pan or griddle to cook the pancake. This will ensure that the pancake does not stick to the pan and will be easier to flip.

Make sure the batter is thin and even. This will help the pancake cook evenly and make it easier to fold.

Cook the pancake over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the pancake will cook too quickly and may burn.

Do not overfill the pancake with the meat filling. If there is too much filling, it will be difficult to fold the pancake and it may break apart.

Let the batter rest for 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the gluten in the flour to relax and make the batter easier to work with.

Conclusion

Martabak bangka is a delicious Indonesian snack that is loved by many. The savory pancake is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you like it spicy or mild, with or without vegetables, martabak bangka is a snack that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. So, the next time you're looking for a new and exciting snack to try, give martabak bangka a try and experience the flavors of Indonesia.