Crispy and Delicious Fried Dried Threadfish (Gwipo)
How to Make Gwipo Twigim: A Festive Fried Snack
This recipe shows you how to make delicious fried dried threadfish using ‘jul gwipo’ (long, thin dried threadfish).
Ingredients- 1 cup tempura flour (twigim garu)
- 1 cup ice water (or cold water)
- 100g jul gwipo (long dried threadfish)
- Cooking oil, for frying
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the batter. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of tempura flour with 1 cup of ice water at a 1:1 ratio. Using ice water will help make the fried coating extra crispy! The batter should have a consistency that flows smoothly, not too thick. If it’s too thick, the coating will be heavy and less crunchy, so add a little more water if needed to achieve the right consistency.
Step 2
Next, prepare the dried threadfish. Gently dust off any loose bits from the jul gwipo. Using scissors, cut the gwipo into long, thin strips, about 2-3 cm wide. Place the cut gwipo into a resealable plastic bag and add 1-2 tablespoons of tempura flour. Seal the bag and shake gently to coat the strips evenly with a thin layer of dry flour. This ‘dusting’ step helps the main batter adhere better.
Step 3
Now, dip the flour-dusted gwipo strips into the prepared batter. Make sure each strip is evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess batter before frying; a thinner coating results in a crispier texture.
Step 4
Heat the cooking oil in a pot or deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately), carefully add the battered gwipo strips. Fry them until they turn golden brown and start to float on the surface, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Once they look nicely puffed and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Fried foods are best enjoyed immediately!
Step 5
These freshly fried gwipo are wonderfully crispy on the outside and satisfyingly chewy on the inside. They are exceptionally delicious when served warm and make a perfect accompaniment to a cold beer. This is a fantastic snack that the whole family can enjoy, so be sure to give it a try!
