Kwek-Kwek

Name: Kwek-Kwek
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 24 oz can canned quail eggs, drained; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 2/3 cup water; 1/4 tsp turmeric powder; to taste salt and black pepper; 4 cups vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup vinegar sauce (for serving)

Quail eggs or fish balls in a crispy golden batter, a beloved Filipino street food that's trending for its satisfying crunch and savory flavor.

35 minEasyServes 4220 cal/serving

FilipinoAppetizerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

24 oz can canned quail eggs, drained
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup water
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
to taste salt and black pepper
4 cups vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup vinegar sauce (for serving)

Instructions

1

In a bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, to taste salt and black pepper.
2

Gradually add 2/3 cup water while whisking until you have a smooth batter with a thin consistency.
3

Pat 24 oz can canned quail eggs, drained dry with paper towels.
4

Heat 4 cups vegetable oil for frying in a deep pan or wok to 350-375°F.
5

Dip each quail egg in the batter to coat completely, then carefully place in the hot oil.
6

Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7

Serve hot with 1/2 cup vinegar sauce (for serving) on the side for dipping.

Questions

Can I make Kwek-Kwek gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2/3 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Kwek-Kwek keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Kwek-Kwek?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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