I can’t help but buy street food whenever I see it. There’s something about the lively energy of street food vendors that pulls me in. When I was a teenager, I was especially drawn to a vendor selling kwekkwek. These little treats were coated in a bright orange batter, and the sauce that came with them was amazing. Eating kwekkwek was such a great experience, and it made a big impression on me.

What is Kwekkwek?

Kwekkwek is a popular Filipino street food made of hard-boiled quail eggs wrapped in a crispy, colorful batter. I’m not sure where the name “kwekkwek” originates, but this fun name makes the snack even more appealing.

The Recipe

Here’s how you can make kwekkwek:

Ingredients:
– 12 quail eggs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon annatto powder (for color)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup water
– Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Boil the Eggs: Put the quail eggs in a pot of water. Boil them for about 4 minutes, then cool them in cold water. Peel the eggs carefully.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, annatto powder, and baking powder. Slowly add water and stir until you get a smooth batter.
3. Coat the Eggs: Dip each peeled quail egg into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Fry the Eggs: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the coated eggs until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain and Serve: Remove the eggs from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.

 

Sauces and Accompaniments

Kwekkwek is usually served with different sauces. Here are recipes for both a sweet sauce and a vinegar-based sauce that you can pair with kwekkwek:

Sweet Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for a tangy twist)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, and soy sauce.
2. Add Lemon Juice (Optional): If you like a tangy flavor, add the lemon juice and stir well.
3. Serve: Use this sweet sauce to dip your kwekkwek or drizzle it on top.

Vinegar-Based Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works well)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small chili, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, mix the vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped chili, and sugar.
2. Stir Well: Stir until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.
3. Season: Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if needed.
4. Serve: This tangy, spicy vinegar sauce is perfect for dipping your kwekkwek.

Both of these sauces will enhance the flavor of your kwekkwek and give you a delicious combination of tastes to enjoy.

Kwekkwek is not just a tasty snack; it’s a part of Filipino street food culture. Street vendors are important in the local food scene, offering affordable and delicious snacks to everyone. The lively atmosphere of street food markets, combined with the great taste of kwekkwek, makes eating it a special experience.

A Personal Connection

Every time I see a kwekkwek vendor, I think back to my teenage years when discovering new street food was exciting. The crispy batter and creamy quail egg yolk are some of my favorite flavors. It’s not just the taste that’s memorable, but also the fun of enjoying something simple and satisfying.

 

Whether you’re a local or visiting the Philippines, trying kwekkwek is a must. It’s a tasty reminder of the joy of street food and the rich culinary traditions that make every bite special. And don’t forget, you can also enjoy making kwekkwek at home! It’s a fun and relaxing activity for family time or bonding moments with friends. Gather everyone in the kitchen, cook up a batch of kwekkwek, and savor the crispy, delicious results together. It’s a wonderful way to create new memories while enjoying a beloved treat – From YumA with love: Bringing joy to your taste buds. Enjoy!