Hong Kong Egg Waffles with Creative Fillings
Savor the delightful flavors of Hong Kong with these iconic Egg Waffles, known locally as Gai Daan Jai. These delicious treats are renowned for their unique bubble-like structure that creates a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining wonderfully fluffy on the inside. The name Gai Daan Jai translates to 'Little Chicken Eggs,' reflecting their charming appearance. Egg Waffles can be enjoyed as a satisfying breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack and can be served flat or rolled with a variety of fresh fillings such as fruits, coconut, or even drizzles of syrup. To achieve the best results, you’ll need a special egg waffle pan, which you can find at kitchen supply stores like Williams Sonoma. Experiment with different toppings and fillings to make this classic dish your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs (separated)
4 (Separate yolks from whites)
Milk
1/4 cup (None)
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (None)
Butter (melted)
6 tablespoons (Melted)
Sugar
1/4 cup (None)
Cake flour
1 1/4 cups (None)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Nutmeg (freshly grated)
1 pinch (Grated)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Canola oil
For cooking (Brush lightly on pan)
Powdered sugar
For serving (Sprinkle on top)
Syrup
For serving (Drizzle on top)
Fresh fruit
Optional (Sliced for filling)
Coconut
Optional (Shredded for filling)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and sugar until well combined and smooth.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, freshly grated nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
3
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they reach medium peaks.
4
Gradually fold the egg yolk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until there are no lumps left.
5
Gently fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Follow by gently folding in the remaining egg whites in two separate additions, being careful not to deflate the batter.
6
Set a wire rack on your counter for cooling the waffles.
7
Preheat both sides of the egg waffle pan over medium heat until hot. Lightly brush each side with canola oil.
8
Pour an appropriate amount of batter into the center of one side of the pan, swirling it slightly to spread it out a bit. Quickly close the pan, flip it over, and cook for about 2 minutes.
9
Carefully flip the pan again to cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the waffle is a golden brown color.
10
Open the pan and gently tip the egg waffle out onto the wire rack. Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
11
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter.
12
Serve the egg waffles sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with syrup. For an extra treat, place fresh fruit or shredded coconut on one side and roll it up for a handheld snack.
13
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and fillings!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hong Kong Egg Waffles?
Hong Kong Egg Waffles, known locally as Gai Daan Jai, are iconic street treats famous for their unique bubble-like structure, crispy exterior, and fluffy interior.
What does the name Gai Daan Jai mean?
The name Gai Daan Jai translates to 'Little Chicken Eggs,' which describes the waffles' charming appearance.
What is the texture of an egg waffle?
Egg waffles are renowned for having a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining wonderfully fluffy on the inside.
Can Hong Kong Egg Waffles be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, these waffles can be enjoyed as a satisfying breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack.
How are egg waffles typically served?
They can be served flat on a plate or rolled up with fresh fillings such as fruits or coconut for a handheld treat.
What special equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a special egg waffle pan to achieve the signature bubble shape.
Where can I buy an egg waffle pan?
Egg waffle pans can be found at kitchen supply stores such as Williams Sonoma.
What are some creative filling ideas?
You can use fresh fruits, shredded coconut, or various syrups to fill and top your egg waffles.
What kind of flour is best for egg waffles?
This recipe calls for cake flour to ensure a light and delicate texture.
Why do the eggs need to be separated?
The eggs are separated so that the whites can be beaten into peaks, which provides the waffles with their characteristic fluffiness.
To what consistency should the egg whites be beaten?
The egg whites should be beaten until they reach medium peaks.
What ingredients are whisked with the egg yolks?
The egg yolks are whisked together with milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and sugar.
What spices are used in the batter?
Freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of salt are added to the dry ingredients for flavor.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 eggs, with the yolks and whites separated.
How do I prevent the batter from deflating?
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the flour and yolk mixture in three separate additions to maintain the airiness.
What is the purpose of the wire rack?
The wire rack is used for cooling the waffles to prevent them from becoming soggy and to maintain their crispiness.
What heat level should I use for the pan?
The egg waffle pan should be preheated and cooked over medium heat.
What type of oil should be used to grease the pan?
Canola oil is recommended for lightly brushing each side of the pan.
How much batter should I pour into the pan?
Pour an appropriate amount into the center of one side and swirl it slightly to spread it before closing the pan.
When do I flip the waffle pan?
Quickly close the pan and flip it immediately after pouring the batter, then flip again after about 2 minutes.
How long does it take to cook an egg waffle?
It takes about 2 minutes on the first side and an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side.
How do I know when the waffle is done?
The waffle is ready when it reaches a beautiful golden brown color.
Can I add powdered sugar?
Yes, serving the waffles sprinkled with powdered sugar is a common and delicious choice.
Is shredded coconut a good addition?
Yes, shredded coconut can be used as a filling on one side before rolling the waffle up.
How much butter is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the role of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent to help the bubbles in the waffle rise.
Should the pan be hot before adding batter?
Yes, both sides of the egg waffle pan should be preheated over medium heat until hot.
How long should the waffle cool before serving?
Allow the egg waffle to cool on a wire rack for a couple of minutes before serving.
Are these waffles considered street food?
Yes, they are a very popular and iconic Hong Kong street food.