[Home Grown Chef]

Does anyone out there know the science behind these mysterious snacks? If you don't know what I'm refering to, they are these crunchy chips that we serve at my restaurant. They start out as what looks like little pieces of colored plastic - totally unedible - but when you fry them, they puff up 2-3x their original size and become crunchy; similar to cellophane noodles. The ingredients on the tub they come in lists: Starch, Salt. Does anyone know the secret behind this? Any help at all would be great.
Thanks!
~Jimmy

[Gummy-Bear]

Is this what they look like? I've never heard of them but out of curiosity, I googled them and this looks like what you are talking about.

[OahuAmateurChef]

They sell them in every supermarket around here. Those things are great. I usually don't get them because all brands seem to add MSG.

[DC Sunshine]

Basically, they're made from prawn meat, starch, salt, sugar and seasoning (I'm guessing its msg). Great fun to make They are very moorish. Would guess that its mixed, pressed, dehydrated - by looking at them in the uncooked state I'm a bit afraid to know exactly what goes into them, but I know the end result is tasty

[Mezzaluna]

And they're addictive! The first time I made them I thought the uncooked chips looked like guitar picks or plastic tiddlywinks.

[Leethequeen]

You can also puff them up in the microwave.

[boar_d_laze]

Originally Posted by DC Sunshine

They are very moorish.

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BDL