In much of Southeast Asia, shallots are cheap and used as onions are elsewhere. In Indonesia, shallots are used as part of the base flavoring (bumbu) for most cooked dishes and crisply fried to serve as a garnish and a seasoning. Fried shallots are showered over almost everything. Fried shallots can be ordered online or at Asian markets. They’re a bit of a project to fry your own, but using this microwave is easy and fast in a pinch.

Indonesian Bawang Goreng- Microwaved Crispy Fried Shallots

Fried shallots are an essential condiment for adding a crunchy contrast to soft dishes like rice, especially the festive Nasi Tumpeng. Excellent versions can be purchased at Asian markets or online under the name Fried Shallots or Fried Red Onion.

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Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Indonesia, Southeast Asian

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 12

Total Time: 17

Servings: cups

Author: My Hungry Traveler

Equipment

Microwave-safe bowl
Baking pan
Strainer

Ingredients

8 oz Shallots or red onion
1 cup Avocado or vegetable oil
Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

Peel and thinly slice shallots. Place in a microwave-safe bowl and top with enough oil to just cover the shallots.
Cook/fry shallots by placing bowl in microwave for 3 minutes. Stir shallots and scrape down any strands that are stuck to the bowl. Return bowl to microwave.
Cook again for 30 seconds. Repeat this step 3-4 times until the shallots are golden brown.
Strain shallots over a clean glass jar. Sprinkle shallots over a paper towel lined baking sheet to soak up oil. Return shallots to the bowl. Discard soaked paper towels. Cover the same baking pan with more paper towels. Transfer shallots to baking pan. Season with salt and let them cool completely.
Store fried shallots sealed in a clean jar or container with lid. They should stay crispy for a month or more.