Bubble waffles recipes – how to make Hong Kong egg puffs?
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Bubble waffles, Egg waffles, Hong Kong waffles, Hong Kong Style Egg Waffle, Hong Kong egg puffs – a lot of names for this delicious street food which has gained popularity all over the world. Once you try them, it is hard to forget them. The local name of bubble waffles literally translates as “Eggs of little chickens” and they really resemble quail eggs. These waffles are so attractive with their interesting shape. Street foodies and fast food fans around the world have appreciated all the benefits of Hong Kong waffles.
The batter is cooked in a special mold and the result is a waffle with crisp edges and soft oval “eggs” or “bubbles”. After baking, the waffles are rolled up into a cone and are usually served as an ice cream cone filled with syrups, ice cream, nuts, fruits, whipped cream and berries. There are different salty varieties filled with meat, fish, sauces, herbs, salads and vegetables.
Hong Kong waffles are made of special dough, reminiscent of classic waffles. Each waffle contains up to thirty (depending on diameter) balls. Fillings differ and among the most popular ones are:
- Meat – minced meat or slices of pork, beef and poultry;
- Fish – In Asian countries, slices of fish fillets are very popular as a filling;
- Mushrooms – Fried mushrooms and vegetables are another popular filling;
- Cheese – Both curd cheeses and hard varieties are used;.
- Fruits and berries – this version is insanely popular and the variations are limitless.
Why bubble waffles are so insanely popular around the world?
Many culinary experts write that egg waffles appeared in the fifties of the last century. They were created by a Chinese grocery shop’s owner who wanted to use of some cracked eggs. He added sugar, flour and evaporated milk to the eggs and cooked the batter into a honey-comb metal plate. Traditional Hong Kong waffles are made over charcoal flames and were served as a dessert. Over time, salty variations appeared and bubble waffles became one of the most popular street food main dishes. Nowadays, egg waffles are ranked No. 1 in the 100 most popular Hong Kong street snacks listing and are served with hundreds of different fillings.
Hong Kong waffles have a number of advantages that distinguish them from other fast food.
- Versatility – the waffles can be served as a sandwich, main dish and dessert.
- Easy preparation – Baking and decorating one waffle takes no more than five minutes. Only a special waffle iron is needed.
- Creative culinary experiments – The filling does not always have to be in harmony with the contents of the balls, sometimes they can contrast with each other, emphasizing each other’s strengths.
- Bubble waffles are easy to pack in a wrapper, a glass for fast food, a paper bag, special cardboard corners, etc.
Hong Kong egg puffs recipes secrets and practical tips for beginners
Bubble waffles recipes are different from Belgian or American style recipes. The batter is custardy due to the amount of eggs. Here are some useful tricks that will help you prepare the best egg waffles at home.
Evaporated milk is a key ingredient. You can substitute it with regular milk, but that will affect the consistency of your batter and make it thinner. You may have to add flour to avoid sticking to the pan.
Tapioca starch another important ingredient. It can be substituted with cornstarch. For best result, you can find tapioca starch in Chinese grocery stores.
Let the batter sit for an hour before cooking.
Make sure that your waffle iron is heated before you start cooking your waffles.
Basic Bubble Waffles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 140 g flour
- 7 g baking powder
- 1 tablespoon custard powder
- 28 g tapioca starch
- 2 eggs
- 140 g white sugar
- 28 g evaporated milk
- 140 ml still water
- 28 g vegetable oil, for making the egg batter
- small quantity of vegetable oil, for greasing the mold
- 2 drops vanilla essence
Instructions:
- Mix and sieve the flour, baking powder, custard powder and tapioca starch.
- Beat the eggs and mix in the white sugar. Add in the evaporated milk and still water. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the sieved flour mixture into the egg mixture. Stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth and has no lumps.
- Add in the vanilla essence and mix well.
- Finally add in the vegetable oil.
- Cover the batter with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Take the egg batter out from the fridge and allow it to return to room temperature.
- Warm up each side of the mold and brush a thin layer of oil on each side.
- Pour a cup of batter filling the mold about 80% full. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for cooking time.
- Remove the egg waffle from the mold and place it on a cooling rack.
- Repeat until all egg batter is finished.
- Serve with whipped cream, fruits, berries or any other topping that you like.
- Once you learn how to make the original egg waffle, you can try other flavors like chocolate, add black sesame or shredded coconut to the batter, etc.
Nutella Bubble waffles
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- ½ tbsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 3 eggs, divided
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ tbsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 cup nutella, divided
- 4 bananas, sliced
Instructions:
- Mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Separate the egg yolks and whites.
- Beat the egg whites on high until stiff peaks.
- Add the evaporated milk, egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla bean paste and ½ cup of nutella into the dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated.
- Fold in the stiff egg whites.
- Separate the pan and heat both sides of the pan over medium heat until hot.
- Brush each side of the pan with vegetable oil.
- Scoop about ¾ – 1 cup of the batter into the center of the egg waffle maker and cook until golden brown.
- Transfer the bubble waffle out onto a cooling rack. They will become crispy after cooling so if you want to fold them into cones, do that while they are still hot.
- Add a sliced banana to each of the folded waffles.
- Pipe nutella on top of the bananas.
Bubble Waffle Banana Split Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 medium bananas, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 4 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles, divided
- 1 box of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream
- 2 maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Place 1 banana, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla in a blender and blend on medium speed until well-combined.
- Mix liquid ingredients with dry ones and stir until just combined.
- Add in 3 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles.
- Lightly spray each side of the Waffle Puff Pan with cooking oil and pre-heat pan on medium heat for 3 minutes.
- Add 3/4 cup of banana waffle batter to the pan and cook until golden brown.
- Remove waffle with fork and gently fold into taco shell shape and let cool for at least 10 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Slice the remaining banana. Fill each bubble waffle with 3 scoops of ice cream and divide sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, and chopped walnuts among the shells.
- Top each shell with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles and add on a maraschino cherry.
Cheddar and Chive Bubble Waffles Recipe
Ingredients:
For the batter:
- ¾ cup (175 mL) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp (30g) sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 ml) milk
- ⅓ cup (75 ml) water
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 2 oz. (60 g) cheddar cheese, grated
For topping:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tomato
- 2 leaves of lettuce
- 6 slices crispy bacon
Instructions:
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the egg, sugar, milk, and water.
- Grate the cheese and chop the chives.
- Add the cheese and chives to the bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Whisk in the melted butter.
- Heat the waffle pan and spray each side with oil.
- Add ¾ cup of batter to the pan and cook until the bubble waffle is golden brown.
- Remove the waffle with a fork and let it rest for 1 minute.
- Spread the mayonnaise onto one side of each bubble waffle. Layer the bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and top with the second bubble waffle.
- Cut into quarters before serving.