Crispy Chinese Fried Milk
Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as playful as it is delicious Crispy Chinese Fried Milk is pure magic on a plate. Imagine creamy, dreamy milk pudding coated in a golden, crunchy shell that cracks with every bite, revealing silky smoothness inside. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to close your eyes and savor every mouthful. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your new go-to dessert whenever you want something special yet comforting.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Chinese Fried Milk
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, impressing your friends with something unique, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dessert hits all the right notes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, and it pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like milk, sugar, and starch—no fancy ingredients required.
Quick and Easy: Though it sounds fancy, it’s surprisingly straightforward and quick to make.
Customizable: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for your personal twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike adore this crispy outside, creamy inside treat it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Crispy Chinese Fried Milk
This dessert is all about contrasts—soft meets crisp, sweet meets subtle. Here’s what you need to create that perfect harmony:
Whole Milk: The base of the creamy pudding, rich and luscious.
Sugar: Sweetens the milk and balances the flavors.
Cornstarch: The secret ingredient that thickens the milk into a silky pudding.
Eggs: Help bind the pudding and add richness.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for dredging the pudding before frying to get that irresistible crispy crust.
Breadcrumbs or Panko: Creates the crunchy, golden coating that makes this dessert unforgettable.
Oil for Frying: To achieve that perfect golden crisp on the outside.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Pudding: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, glossy pudding.
Add Eggs: Temper the eggs by slowly whisking in some of the hot pudding mixture, then combine back into the saucepan. Stir until thick and creamy.
Set the Pudding: Pour the pudding into a shallow dish, smooth the top, and chill in the fridge until firm—this is key for frying success.
Cut and Coat: Once set, cut the pudding into squares or rectangles. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs or panko for maximum crunch.
Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to the right temperature hot enough to crisp but not burn.
Fry to Golden Perfection: Fry the coated pudding pieces until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Drain and Serve: Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and serve warm for the ultimate creamy-crispy contrast.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: approximately 220
(Note: may vary depending on frying oil and portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Fried Milk
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness
- Serve with fresh berries or fruit compote to add a bright contrast
- Drizzle with honey or condensed milk for added richness
- Pair with a cup of hot jasmine tea or green tea for a classic experience
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts for texture
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make sure the pudding is fully set and chilled before frying to prevent it from breaking apart
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for the crispiest coating
- Keep the oil at a steady medium heat to cook evenly without burning
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering oil temperature
- For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk (results may vary)
- Experiment with adding a touch of vanilla or almond extract to the pudding for extra flavor
- Serve immediately after frying to enjoy the perfect texture contrast
- If you want a healthier version, bake instead of frying though it won’t be as crispy
- Reheat leftovers briefly in a hot oven to regain some crispiness
- Store any leftovers in the fridge but eat within a day for best taste
FAQ’s
1. What is Crispy Chinese Fried Milk?
It’s a dessert featuring silky milk pudding coated in a crispy, golden crust, fried to perfection.
2. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk gives the best creamy texture, but low-fat can work with a slight texture difference.
3. Is this dessert gluten-free?
Not as written due to flour and breadcrumbs, but you can substitute gluten-free alternatives.
4. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Use a thermometer or test with a small breadcrumb it should sizzle immediately.
5. Can I prepare the pudding ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and chill the pudding up to a day in advance for convenience.
6. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Panko works best, but crushed cornflakes or nuts can be fun alternatives.
7. How long do I fry the milk pudding pieces?
About 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
8. Can I bake this dessert instead of frying?
You can, but the texture won’t be as crisp and golden as frying.
9. Is it normal for the pudding to break when frying?
If the pudding isn’t fully set or chilled, it can break apart; patience is key!
10. How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 24 hours for best results.
Conclusion
Crispy Chinese Fried Milk is a delightful dance of textures and flavors crispy outside, silky inside—that makes for an unforgettable dessert experience. It’s surprisingly simple to make but impressively elegant, perfect for when you want to treat yourself or wow guests with something a little different. Once you taste that crackling crust giving way to creamy goodness, you’ll understand why this dish is a cherished classic. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Crispy Chinese Fried Milk
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chinese fried milk, crispy milk dessert, Cantonese dessert, fried milk custard, sweet fried snack