Step 1

Trim off the skin from the water chestnuts with a small knife. Rinse and drain. If using pre-cleaned water chestnuts, skip this step.

Step 2

Chop water chestnuts into small granules, avoid mincing too finely. Set aside.

Step 3

Repeat above step with the prawns.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix sole fish powder, sugar, 5-spice and pepper together. This way the seasoning powder will be well distributed into the meat paste.

Step 5

In a large bowl, add in all the ingredients excluding the water chestnut and mix in a clockwise direction for about 5 to 10 mins. Mix until it forms a paste. You should be able to hold most of the paste without it dripping back into the bowl. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour.

Step 6

Lastly add in water chestnut and give it a gently mix. Avoid stirring too much or else the water chestnut will release more liquid.

Step 7

Set aside for about 10 mins while you prepare the bean curd skin.

Step 8

Trim the loose ends of the bean curd skin and cut into desired size. Mine was about 11’ x 8’.

Step 9

Use a slightly damp paper towel and wipe excess salt on the bean curd skin gently.

Step 10

If there are tiny holes on the bean curd skin, it is still fine to use them.

Step 11

Take one sheet of bean curd skin and spread some starch paste along the edge (closest to you).

Step 12

Add a few scoops of meat paste and mould it into a log shape, leaving about ½-inch gap on both sides of the skin.

Step 13

Roll and tuck in the sides properly. Fold in both sides and secure them down with some starch paste.

Step 14

Keep rolling and once you reach the end, spread a little more starch to close the end.

Step 15

Spread a little oil on a heat proof tray and place the meat rolls on it. The oil will prevent the rolls from sticking the bottom of the tray.

Step 16

Bring water to boil and place the tray into the steamer. Steam at medium heat for 15 to 20 mins, or until the rolls are firm to touch. Remove from heat and let them cool for 10 mins before taking them out from the tray.

Step 17

Store extra cooled portion in freezer.

Step 18

Frying:

Step 19

Cut the meat roll into cubes. I like to cut them at a diagonal angle.

Step 20

Heat enough oil in a pot, about 150°C. Test with a chopstick or wooden skewer. If you see small bubbles, it is ready.

Step 21

Gently add in few pieces at a time and fry for about 1 min, until light golden. If the oil is smoking, turn down the heat to medium low.

Step 22

Remove and drain on paper towel. Repeat with the rest.

Step 23

To serve, heat up oil to about 180°C. You’ll need your oil to be really hot for this process. Carefully place a few pieces of meat roll into the hot oil carefully and fry for 15 to 20 seconds. Do not over-crowd the pan or the temperature will drop.

Step 24

This double-frying process will crisp up the Ngoh Hiang further and expel excess oil.

Step 25

Serve warm.