Egg waffles, also known as Hong Kong-style egg waffles or gai daan jai, are a popular street food originating from Hong Kong. Their unique shape and crispy texture make them a fun and delicious snack enjoyed by many. If you’ve ever wanted to try making them at home, you’re in luck! With a waffle maker, you can create your own egg waffles right in your kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making egg waffles in a waffle maker, from the ingredients to the cooking process.
Ingredients for Egg Waffles
To make authentic egg waffles, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons custard powder (optional for added flavor)
1/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon evaporated milk (or regular milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter
A pinch of salt
These ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store, and you can substitute where needed. For example, you can replace custard powder with a bit more cornstarch or skip it altogether if it’s not available.
Preparing the Egg Waffle Batter
The key to delicious egg waffles is the batter. It needs to have a smooth, runny consistency to get the classic airy texture when cooked. Follow these steps:
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, custard powder (if using), sugar, and a pinch of salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined and free from lumps.
Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, crack and lightly beat the two large eggs. Add the water, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the eggs and mix well.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The resulting batter should be smooth and slightly runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more water to loosen it up.
Rest the batter: Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes. This step helps the ingredients combine and results in lighter, fluffier egg waffles.
Prepping the Waffle Maker
While the batter is resting, it’s time to prepare the waffle maker. If you have an egg waffle maker, that’s perfect! But if you’re using a regular waffle maker, it will still work well for this recipe.
Preheat the waffle maker: Make sure your waffle maker is fully heated before pouring the batter. Preheating ensures even cooking and that nice, crispy texture on the outside.
Grease the plates: Lightly brush the waffle plates with melted butter or spray with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the egg waffles from sticking. Even if your waffle maker is non-stick, it’s always a good idea to grease it for that extra crispiness.
Cooking the Egg Waffles
Now comes the fun part: cooking the egg waffles!
Pour the batter: Use a ladle or measuring cup to pour the batter into the center of the waffle maker. Be careful not to overfill, as the batter will spread when you close the lid.
Close the lid and cook: Close the waffle maker and let the egg waffles cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you’re using a regular waffle maker, the cook time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Check for doneness: Once the egg waffles are done, they should be crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. If they need more time, close the lid and cook for another minute or two.
Carefully remove the waffles: Use a fork or spatula to gently lift the egg waffles out of the waffle maker. Be careful, as they will be hot and delicate.
Serving Your Egg Waffles
Egg waffles are best enjoyed fresh and warm. You can eat them plain, but there are plenty of delicious toppings to try! Here are a few ideas to elevate your egg waffles:
Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.
Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries make a great addition for a fresh and fruity twist.
Whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Chocolate syrup or Nutella: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a spread of Nutella takes egg waffles to the next level.
Ice cream: Turn your egg waffles into a dessert by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream.
Experiment with flavors: While traditional egg waffles are delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment by adding chocolate chips, matcha powder, or other fun ingredients to the batter.
Making egg waffles at home is a fun and rewarding process, and with the right ingredients and a waffle maker, you can recreate this iconic treat. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, these crispy, chewy egg waffles will be a hit with everyone.