Zha Xian Nai (Deep-fried Milk)
Fry milk in oil!? Crispy on the outside and sweet milk on the inside
Description
A famous traditional dessert from Guangdong (Shunde). Milk is thickened with cornstarch and sugar, chilled into a firm 'milk pudding (custard)', then coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried. A magical confection.
Restaurants serving Zha Xian Nai (Deep-fried Milk)
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On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Milk
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Flour/Baking powder(for batter)
- Frying oil
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- In a cold pot, combine fresh milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth before turning on the heat.
- Heat on low, stirring constantly from the bottom with a wooden spatula to prevent burning. Stop when the milk gelatinizes into a heavy, thick 'custard paste'.
- Pour into a square container, smooth the top, and chill in the fridge for 2-
- hours to set into a firm block.
- Cut the hardened milk pudding into rectangular sticks.
- Coat heavily in a crispy batter made of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and water (or use panko).
- Drop into 180°C hot oil. The exact second the batter turns crispy golden, remove immediately (overfrying causes the milk inside to melt and leak out).
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Rich、sweet aroma of milk
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Inside of a Crab Cream Croquette - but tastes like sweet milk)
Pairing
Hot Black Tea / Jasmine Tea
Trivia
[Trivia] The phrase 'Deep-fried Milk' shocks Japanese people, but it's easily understood as a sweet dessert version of a Cream Croquette. Massively popular among all ages as a post-meal dessert at Cantonese Dim Sum restaurants.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Bite into it piping hot. Breaking the crispy crust releases a rush of hot, sweet, melting milk cream resembling condensed milk. Be careful not to burn your tongue.
Allergen
Dairy, Wheat