Ukoy

Directions

1. 1
   Using a damp towel, wipe the banana leaf clean on both sides.
2. 2
   Cut out 4-by-4-inch squares from the banana leaf.
3. 3
   Set aside on a baking sheet.
4. 4
   Brush one side lightly with oil.
5. 5
   To make the batter, sift the rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
6. 6
   In a medium bowl, beat the egg with 3/4 cup water, then stir this into the dry ingredients, to form a thick but smooth batter.
7. 7
   Refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
8. 8
   Fill a deep saucepan or wok with 3 inches canola oil and warm over medium heat until the temperature is between 350F and 365F.
9. 9
   While the oil is heating, prepare the filling: Combine the Napa cabbage, carrots, snowpeas, leeks, bean sprouts, shrimp, fish sauce, and black pepper in a large bowl.
10. 10
    Stir the batter and pour just enought into the filling to coat the ingredients.
11. 11
    Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons over the mixture and toss to firm it up if necessary (it should not be too wet).
12. 12
    Put about 1/3 cup of the filling on the oiled side of each banana leaf square.
13. 13
    Place a square on a spider and lower it into the oil.
14. 14
    Fry until the fritter is set (about 1 minute), lift from the oil, and remove the banana leaf.
15. 15
    Continue frying for another minute until the fritter is lightly browned.
16. 16
    Flip and brown the other side until crisp, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
17. 17
    Life out of the oil with the pider and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
18. 18
    Repeat until all the filling is fried.
19. 19
    Serve hot with the vinegar dipping sauce.