Authentic Jamaican Fried Dumplings (Johnny Cakes)
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these traditional Jamaican fried dumplings are a staple side dish. Perfect for soaking up the juices of ackee and saltfish or served alongside a hearty breakfast.
Servings12 Portions
Prep Time5 Mins
Cook Time20 Mins
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
12
- self-raising flour260 g
- water150 ml
- caster sugar30 g
- salt8 g
- baking powder5 g
- vegetable oil500 ml
Step-by-Step Instructions
01
Prepare a baking tray by lightly dusting it with a little flour. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, salt, caster sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
02
Gradually pour 150ml of water into the dry mixture. Stir continuously until the ingredients bind together to form a soft, cohesive dough.
03
Lightly grease your hands with a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into smooth, golf-ball-sized rounds. Place the balls on the prepared baking tray and let them rest for 20 minutes to allow the dough to relax.
04
Fill a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan with enough vegetable oil to submerge the dumplings. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 170°C (340°F), or until a small piece of dough sizzles immediately when dropped in.
05
Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 6 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
06
