Fried Popiah Extra Crispy Recipe

Published Sep 27, 2024 Updated Nov 12, 2024

Fried Popiah Recipe

Fried popiah is a popular food in Malaysia and is known as Malaysian-style fried spring rolls. It’s a beloved snack and appetizer found all over the country, usually sold by hawkers. These fried popiah are so popular that every ethnic group in Malaysia—Chinese, Malay, or Muslim-Indian (known as “mamak”)—has its own interpretation of spring rolls. In Penang, the culinary and street food capital of Malaysia, these crispy fried rolls are called popiah chee in the Penang Hokkien dialect. They are typically stuffed with fillings made from the following ingredients:

Shredded jicama (yam bean) Carrot Shrimp or pork

Once you bite into these fried popiah, you won’t be able to stop. The crispy, golden wrapper gives way to a super flavorful, savory filling with the perfect mix of textures, making them totally addictive! There are countless versions of this iconic appetizer, with nearly every Asian country offering its own unique twist. Be sure to check out my Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Lumpia recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taste of Malaysia. My fried popiah recipe gives you an authentic taste of Malaysian cuisine, letting you try something new and delicious. Easy to make. The recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, making it perfect for beginners. You can whip up a batch in no time. Customizable. You can easily swap in your favorite ingredients or adjust the filling to fit any dietary needs. Super crispy. The crunchy outside paired with a tasty filling gives that satisfying crunch everyone loves. Packed with flavor. With a mix of veggies, chicken, shrimp, and seasonings, every bite is bursting with deliciousness!

Dipping Sauce For Fried Popiah

A delicious dipping sauce can elevate your fried popiah to the next level! One popular choice is a tangy chili sauce, like Lingham’s, which combines spicy, sweet, and garlicky flavors that perfectly complement the crispy spring rolls. This Malaysian chili sauce is not only spicy, sweet, and salty but also really excites the palate, leaving you craving more fried spring rolls!

Ingredients For Malaysian Fried Popiah Recipe

Spring roll wrappers – the crispy outer layer that holds everything together and gives that satisfying crunch when you bite in. You can usually find them in the Asian section of grocery stores or at specialty Asian markets. Chicken meat – adds protein and a savory flavor to the filling, making it hearty and delicious. Shrimp – adds a delightful seafood taste to the filling. Dried shiitake mushrooms – give off a rich, earthy flavor and a chewy texture that really complements the other ingredients. Carrot – add a touch of sweetness, a nice crunch, and a pop of color to the filling, making it not just tasty but also pretty! Yam bean – this is the main ingredient for this recipe, adding unique texture and taste to the filling. Oyster sauce – kicks up the flavor with its savory and slightly sweet taste, tying all the filling ingredients together. Chicken stock granules – bring in an extra layer of savory goodness, making the filling even more flavorful. Cornstarch – helps thicken things up and binds the filling together, making it easier to wrap and fry.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

Helpful Tips For Home Cooks

When you’re adding the filling to the wrappers, keep it simple—don’t overstuff! When you’re adding the filling to the wrappers, keep it simple—don’t overstuff! Two spoonfuls is just right; otherwise, it gets messy. Keep an eye on your oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) while frying. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks, and if it’s too cool, your popiah will soak up too much oil and get greasy. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying in small batches helps everything cook evenly and stay nice and crispy.

Other Popular Malaysian Hawker Food

Here are a list of other popular hawker food in Malaysia: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.