By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 13, 2023 | Last Updated on November 27, 2023
If you are a fan of fried desserts, then Chinese Fried Ice Cream is the perfect dish for you. It is a creamy and decadent dessert. The result? A mouthwatering treat that will make you drool.
However, this dessert has a unique twist which makes it even more special. Chinese Fried Ice Cream does not require baking or cooking, just some basic ingredients and a deep fryer.
In this article, we will provide all the necessary information about Chinese Fried Ice Cream, from ingredients to instructions for making it.
What Is Chinese fried ice cream?
Chinese Fried Ice Cream is a unique and delicious dessert that is made with ice cream, cereal, and other ingredients. The original version of this dish was created in China and has since become popular all over the world.
It’s a combination of creamy ice cream encased in a crunchy coating of cereals, spices, and other ingredients that are deep-fried until golden brown.
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Where Did I First Try Chinese fried ice cream?
I first tried Chinese fried ice cream on a trip to Hong Kong. I had heard about them before, but I was never brave enough to try it. When I arrived in the city, I went straight to one of the top restaurants and ordered the dish.
The restaurant’s version of this dessert was very different from what I had imagined. Instead of being coated in a batter and deep fried, the ice cream was encased in a thin layer of cereal flakes and spices, which gave it an extra crunchy texture.
The ice cream itself was creamy and smooth, with a subtle sweetness that balanced out the savory flavors of the coating. I could really taste the spices in the coating, which gave it a unique and exotic flavor. I also loved the contrast between the hot and cold components of the dish – it was an intriguing way to enjoy ice cream like never before.
Since then, Chinese fried ice cream has become one of my favorite desserts whenever I’m in Hong Kong or any other Chinese city. It’s a unique and delicious way to enjoy ice cream in an entirely new way.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Some high-quality Vanilla ice cream will give the best results.
- Quarts Oil: Oil is used for deep-frying in order to give it a crispy outer coating.
- Cereal: Any kind of cereal can be used, such as cornflakes, Rice Krispies, or even granola.
- Ground Cinnamon: This will add flavor and sweetness to the ice cream.
- Egg Whites: Egg whites help to bind the cereal and spices together, forming a crunchy coating.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the cornflakes, cinnamon, and egg whites until they are blended well.
Step 2
Scoop ice cream into balls and roll each ball in the egg whites & then in the cornflake mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Step 3
Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry the ice cream balls for a few seconds until they are golden brown.
Step 4
Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately topped with honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce.
Cooking Tips
- When preparing Chinese Fried Ice Cream, it’s important to keep the ice cream balls very cold. This will help to ensure that the coating adheres better and doesn’t melt away too quickly when it’s in the fryer.
- Also, make sure you don’t overcrowd the fryer as this can cause the oil to cool down too quickly and make it difficult to fry the ice cream evenly.
- Then, once the ice cream balls are fried, drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil before serving.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- The ingredients for Chinese Fried Ice Cream can be easily adjusted to suit your own tastes. If you don’t have any cereal on hand, you could substitute it with breadcrumbs, crushed nuts, or even crumbs.
- Ground cinnamon can be with other spices such as nutmeg or allspice.
- If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can use an egg replacer or flaxseed meal instead of egg whites.
- Finally, if you don’t like vanilla ice cream, feel free to experiment with different flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, or even coffee.
Chinese Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Scoop
- Dish
- Oil
- Basket
Ingredients
- 1 quart of high-quality oil ideal for achieving crispy and golden frying results.
- 1.5 egg whites providing a light and airy consistency to the batter, ensuring a crisp and delicate coating when fried.
- 1/2 teaspoon of aromatic ground cinnamon infusing a warm and comforting element to the dish.
- 1.5 cups of crunchy and golden crushed cornflakes cereal adding a delightful texture and a hint of toasty flavor.
- 1/2 quart of lusciously smooth and creamy vanilla ice cream perfect for a delightful frozen treat.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cornflakes, cinnamon, and egg whites until they are blended well.
- Scoop ice cream into balls and roll each ball in the egg whites & then in the cornflake mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry the ice cream balls for a few seconds until they are golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately topped with honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce.
Notes
- When preparing Chinese Fried Ice Cream, it’s important to keep the ice cream balls very cold. This will help to ensure that the coating adheres better and doesn’t melt away too quickly when it’s in the fryer.
- Also, make sure you don’t overcrowd the fryer as this can cause the oil to cool down too quickly and make it difficult to fry the ice cream evenly.
- Then, once the ice cream balls are fried, drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil before serving.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Chinese Fried Ice Cream contains approximately,
- 372 Calories
- 29g Fat
- 25g Carbs
- 4g Protein
How to Store Leftover Chinese fried ice cream?
Leftover Chinese Fried Ice Cream can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’re not planning on eating it within that time, it’s best to freeze it so that it doesn’t go bad.
To reheat the ice cream, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and pop it into the microwave for a few seconds.
If you’re not planning on eating the ice cream right away, try freezing it in individual portions and then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
This will help to keep the texture of the fried coating intact so that it won’t get too soggy when reheated.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely enjoy Chinese Fried Ice Cream if they make sure to use pasteurized ingredients such as ice cream and eggs.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cereal with a gluten-free alternative such as crushed nuts or breadcrumbs. You may also want to double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What other toppings can I add?
You can get creative and top the ice cream with your favorite toppings such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or fruit. You could even drizzle it with a sauce like caramel, butterscotch, or raspberry.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the ice cream balls in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to turn them halfway through so that they cook even
Wrapping Up
As you have seen making this delicious Chinese Ice Cream is an easy and fun dish to make. It will be the perfect treat for a summer BBQ or party!
Just remember to keep your ingredients cold while you’re making it and always double-check that all of your ingredients are gluten-free if necessary.
This dessert is sure to be a hit with everyone, so don’t forget to take lots of photos and share them with your friends. Please share this recipe with anyone who needs a sweet treat. Thank you.
Sharing is Caring!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
