DessertSweetFried

Fried Milk (Zha Xian Nai)

A famous Shunde dessert that seems like magic. A solid block of sweetened milk is cut into rectangles, coated in a light batter, and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy shell with a hot, melting, creamy interior.

By Kitchen Recipe Team
Fried Milk (Zha Xian Nai)
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Servings4
Difficultymedium

Why You'll Love This Fried Milk (Zha Xian Nai)

This Fried Milk (Zha Xian Nai) brings authentic Chinese flavors straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a Dessert when you want something satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make. People love this recipe because it combines simple ingredients to create something truly magical.

Fried Milk (Zha Xian Nai)

Prep: 10 mins•Cook: 20 mins•Total: 30 mins•Yields: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Servings:4
  • Milk Pudding: 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup sugar
  • Batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 cup ice water (or club soda), 1 tbsp oil
  • Oil for deep frying

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan
  • 8x8 square dish
  • Wok for frying

Instructions

1

Mix Milk Base

In a saucepan (off the heat), whisk together the cold milk, cornstarch, and sugar until completely smooth with absolutely no lumps.

2

Thicken

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a spatula.

3

Form Paste

As it heats, it will suddenly thicken into a very thick, sticky, cohesive paste. Continue cooking and stirring vigorously for 1 more minute.

4

Mold

Pour the thick milk paste into a greased 8x8 square dish. Smooth the top with a wet spatula.

5

Chill

Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until it is completely firm and cold.

6

Cut

Turn the firm milk block out onto a cutting board. Cut it into small rectangular logs (about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide).

7

Make Batter

Whisk the flour, baking powder, oil, and ice-cold water until a smooth, thin batter forms.

8

Heat Oil

Heat oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C).

9

Dip

Dip a milk rectangle into the batter, ensuring it is completely coated.

10

Fry

Carefully drop it into the hot oil. Repeat with a few more pieces, being careful not to crowd the pan.

11

Crisp

Fry for 2-3 minutes until the batter is golden, puffed, and crispy.

12

Serve

Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately. Warning: the inside will be molten and very hot.

Nutrition Information

320
Calories
6g
Protein
45g
Carbs
12g
Fat
1g
Fiber

*Per serving. Nutritional values are estimates.

Expert Tips

  • • The milk mixture must be completely cold and firm before cutting, otherwise it will melt instantly in the fryer.
  • • The batter must be made with ice-cold water to ensure maximum crispness when it hits the hot oil.

Variations

  • • Panko Coating: Instead of a wet batter, you can do a standard breading station (flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs) for a thicker, crunchier crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use low-fat milk?

A: No, whole milk is required for the rich, creamy texture and flavor. Shunde, where this originated, is famous for its high-fat buffalo milk.

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Fried Milk (Zha Xian Nai)

By Kitchen Recipe Team

A famous Shunde dessert that seems like magic. A solid block of sweetened milk is cut into rectangles, coated in a light batter, and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy shell with a hot, melting, creamy interior.

Fried Milk (Zha Xian Nai)
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium
Cuisine
Chinese

Ingredients

Scaled for 4 servings

  • Milk Pudding: 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup sugar
  • Batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 cup ice water (or club soda), 1 tbsp oil
  • Oil for deep frying

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • 8x8 square dish
  • Wok for frying

Instructions

Cooking Tips

  • The milk mixture must be completely cold and firm before cutting, otherwise it will melt instantly in the fryer.
  • The batter must be made with ice-cold water to ensure maximum crispness when it hits the hot oil.

Variations

  • Panko Coating: Instead of a wet batter, you can do a standard breading station (flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs) for a thicker, crunchier crust.

Nutrition Estimate

320 calories · 6g protein · 45g carbs · 12g fat · 1g fiber per serving

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