Filipino
Kwek-Kwek
Kwek-kwek is a beloved Filipino street snack of boiled quail eggs coated in a bright orange batter and fried until crisp. Serve it hot with spiced vinegar for the familiar tangy, savory bite.
Watch it madeYummy Kitchen · 4:59
Ingredients
- Quail eggs12 pieces
- All-purpose flour3/4 cup, divided
- Cornstarch1/4 cup
- Baking powder1/2 tsp
- Salt3/4 tsp, divided
- Ground black pepper1/4 tsp
- Annatto powder or orange food color1 tsp annatto powder or a few drops food color
- Water1/2 cup, plus more as needed
- Cooking oil2 cups, for deep-frying
- Cane vinegar1/2 cup
- Red onion2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Garlic1 clove, minced
- Bird's eye chili1 piece, chopped
- Sugar1 tsp
Method
- Place the quail eggs in a small pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook for 4 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to cold water, cool completely, then peel carefully and pat dry.
- Make the vinegar dip by mixing cane vinegar, red onion, garlic, chili, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk 1/2 cup flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and annatto powder.
- Add 1/2 cup water gradually and whisk until the batter is smooth, thick enough to coat the eggs, and bright orange.
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup flour in a shallow bowl and lightly dredge each peeled quail egg.
- Heat the oil in a small deep pan to 350°F or until a drop of batter sizzles and rises steadily.
- Dip the floured eggs into the orange batter, turning to coat them completely.
- Fry the eggs in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning gently, until the coating is puffed and crisp.
- Drain on a rack or paper towels and serve hot with the spiced vinegar dip.
Common questions
Can I substitute chicken eggs for quail eggs in kwek-kwek?
You can, but it becomes a different snack. Use hard-boiled chicken eggs, slice them in halves or quarters, and fry more gently since they’re larger. The batter works the same, but cooking time may need to be a bit longer.
How long should I boil the quail eggs so they peel easily?
Boil for about 4 minutes, then transfer immediately to cold water until fully cool. This helps the shells release more cleanly. Peeling while they’re still warm usually causes tearing and leaves rough patches on the egg whites.
Why is my batter falling off or turning unevenly?
The eggs may be too wet, the batter may be too thin, or the oil may not be hot enough. Pat eggs dry, dredge lightly in flour first, keep batter thick enough to coat, and fry at about 350°F.
How do I store leftover kwek-kwek and reheat it?
Store cooled kwek-kwek in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at high heat until crisp again. Microwaving works, but the coating will soften.
What should I serve with kwek-kwek besides the vinegar dip?
Serve it hot with the spiced vinegar dip, plus extra chopped onions or chilies if you like more heat. It also pairs well with sweet chili sauce or a simple garlic-vinegar dip for a milder option.