Chinese Desserts

Crispy Fried Milk Recipe

Crispy Fried Milk is a classic Cantonese dessert featuring silky milk custard coated in a light crispy crust and deep-fried until golden brown. Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this dim sum favorite is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Total
2 Hours 30 Minutes
Crispy Fried Milk Recipe finished dish
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Quick Recipe Summary

Cuisine
Chinese
Category
Chinese Desserts
Method
Frying
Total Time
2 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty
Intermediate
Main Ingredient
Whole Milk

About This Recipe

Crispy Fried Milk is a classic Cantonese dessert featuring silky milk custard coated in a light crispy crust and deep-fried until golden brown. Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this dim sum favorite is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Written with clear home-cooking steps so the process is easier to follow from start to finish.
  • Breaks the method into manageable steps instead of assuming you already know the technique.
  • Helpful for practicing timing, heat control, and the order of adding ingredients.
  • Gives the dish a clear sweet flavor profile without making the method feel complicated.
  • Useful as a reference recipe because the steps explain both what to do and what to watch for.

Ingredients

  • 250g Whole Milk
  • 20g Granulated Sugar
  • 30g Cornstarch
  • 10g Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1 Egg
  • 5g All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder

Ingredient Notes

These notes explain the role of the main ingredients so the recipe is easier to adjust.

Whole Milk

This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.

Granulated Sugar

A small amount of sugar rounds out saltiness and helps create a more balanced finish.

Cornstarch

Starch helps sauces cling and can protect sliced meat during quick cooking.

Panko Breadcrumbs

This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.

Ingredients & Techniques Used in This Recipe

These guides explain the key sauces, ingredients, and cooking techniques used in this recipe, so you can understand the dish instead of only following steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Gather and measure all ingredients.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 1: Gather and measure all ingredients.
  2. Step 2

    Whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until completely smooth.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 2: Whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until completely smooth.
  3. Step 3

    Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 3: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a sm
  4. Step 4

    Transfer the custard to a lined container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 4: Transfer the custard to a lined container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours u
  5. Step 5

    Cut the chilled custard into rectangular pieces.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 5: Cut the chilled custard into rectangular pieces.
  6. Step 6

    Beat the egg in a bowl.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 6: Beat the egg in a bowl.
  7. Step 7

    Whisk the flour and baking powder into the egg until a smooth batter forms.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 7: Whisk the flour and baking powder into the egg until a smooth batter forms.
  8. Step 8

    Coat each custard piece in batter, then cover evenly with panko breadcrumbs.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 8: Coat each custard piece in batter, then cover evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
  9. Step 9

    Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) and fry until the coating begins to set.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 9: Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) and fry until the coating begins to set.
  10. Step 10

    Continue frying until golden brown on all sides, then drain on paper towels.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 10: Continue frying until golden brown on all sides, then drain on paper towels.
  11. Step 11

    Serve warm.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 11: Serve warm.
  12. Step 12

    Enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy milk filling.

    Crispy Fried Milk Recipe step 12: Enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy milk filling.

Cooking Tips

  • Chill the milk custard completely before cutting and frying.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at around 175°C (350°F) for even cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the fryer to keep the coating crisp.
  • Serve immediately after frying for the best texture.
  • Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve it with steamed rice when you want a simple Chinese home-cooked meal.
  • Pair it with one vegetable dish and one soup or tofu dish for a balanced Chinese meal.
  • Use the recipe card below when you want a quick cooking reference after reading the full notes.

Recipe Card

Crispy Fried Milk is a classic Cantonese dessert featuring silky milk custard coated in a light crispy crust and deep-fried until golden brown. Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this dim sum favorite is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Ingredients

  • 250g Whole Milk
  • 20g Granulated Sugar
  • 30g Cornstarch
  • 10g Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1 Egg
  • 5g All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder

Method

  1. Gather and measure all ingredients.
  2. Whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until completely smooth.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard.
  4. Transfer the custard to a lined container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
  5. Cut the chilled custard into rectangular pieces.
  6. Beat the egg in a bowl.
  7. Whisk the flour and baking powder into the egg until a smooth batter forms.
  8. Coat each custard piece in batter, then cover evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
  9. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) and fry until the coating begins to set.
  10. Continue frying until golden brown on all sides, then drain on paper towels.
  11. Serve warm.
  12. Enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy milk filling.

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