Janice S. of Baltimore, MD asks: “I’ve never tried fried ice cream, but I’ve always wondered…is fried ice cream really fried? If so, how do they do that without the ice cream melting?”
Ahh yes, the south-of-the-border dessert favorite known as fried ice cream. It does seem like a recipe for disaster to actually fry ice cream, doesn’t it? But the truth is, it really is fried. Or at least deep fried (which might seem even more bizarre).
Though it’s often thought of as a Mexican dish, fried ice cream is also popular in Japanese and Chinese cuisine, where it’s referred to as “ice cream tempura.” It should be noted that ice cream tempura is not a traditional Asian dish, but one that was added to Western menus to suit American tastes.
As for how it’s made without turning the ice cream into a puddle of goo, that’s easy (sort of). The ice cream, which is usually stored at lower-than-normal temperatures, is rolled in a coating of crushed corn flakes, which helps insulate the ice cream during the brief frying process. Here’s a traditional fried ice cream recipe. To get an idea of just how quickly the ice cream is fried, check out this video:
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Tags: ernie, fried ice cream, ice cream, turkey hill
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If you’ve got a technical question about the ice cream making process or some other inquiry about the nuances of America’s favorite treat, chances are Ernie has the answer. He might not be able to answer all questions, but he’ll try his best and some may be featured on the Ice Cream Journal.
Sorry, somehow fried ice cream doesn’t appeal to me. Acid reflux prevents me from enjoying fried food of any kind.
But I do love Turkey Hill ice cream and frozen yogurt which is very digestable.
Jacqueline Seewald
author of THE DROWNING POOL, Five Star/Gale–available from Amazon, B&N online or request it at your local library
I can’t imagine eating ice cream with oil all over it.
But I do like all of your ice cream!
Fried ice cream has been a favorite at local Chinese restaurants for decades. As kids we would marvel at such things. Now as adults, we still marvel at such things!
I tried fried ice cream at Chi-Chi’s, but didn’t care for it. I like my cereal in a bowl not fried on ice cream. Turkey Hill has such great flavors to chose from why would anyone want oily fried ice cream. Linda
I have had fried ice cream and it’s o.k. once in a while but I prefer my Turkey Hill in a bowl or cone.
Fried ice cream is tasty..especially with a bit of cinnamon. However, it is not something to eat on a regular basis. On the boardwalk at the shore they sell fried everything…oreos, candy bars,..etc. Is there any way to make something bad for you even worse? Yes, fry it!! Ice cream is great just the way it is but fried ice cream is a fun treat, just not something I allow myself to indulge in.
why ruin a good thing
I have tried this at a Mexican Restaurant and it was good, but, I just enjoy eating my ice cream the natural way. I enjoy the creamy texture and then just adding crunchies if you want them.
this is the weekend for my annual ice cream social for the kids and grandkids and anyone else who shows up. I usually always have a few extra. Usually I just go and buy what I like, but this year I took requests and TH cookie dough won by a landslide.
I love fried ice cream. It does not taste greasy at all. A favorite of mine is when it is covered with honey and cinn. and whipped cream. Of course, my whole family loves ice cream, fried or not.
I tried this once at a popular Mexican chain restaurant (now out of business) and had the worst case of heartburn ever – too much cinnamon. I’d take a scoop or two of good old TH over fried ice cream anytime.
i HAD FRIED ICE CREAM, BUT i DON’T CARE FOR IT. If you don’t deep fried it right…you will have a very big mash on your hand. Just give the true not fried Turkey Hill ice cream that is not fried.
I am not a person to deep fry anything but when I find it, I hope to try it, hopefully soon.
Ah, one time that something fried might actually be good for you. It’s a dairy product remember!
it is something I might try
Fried, baked, frozen, melted…I don’t care…just give me the Turkey Hill.
had fried ice cream-not bad -but, do prefer just plain ice cream-can’t wait to get some of that peaches and cream Turkey Hill-
Fried…..don’t think so…………..would love to have more flavors in the no sugar added catagory. They are hard to find!
I would try it just to see what it is like but can’t say I would seek it out. I prefer my ice cream cold, thank you, sans the oil too.
I think I will stick to plain old ice cream lol!
My husband and I tried it once–it wasn’t bad but give me cold ice cream anytime!!
Don’t think it sounds good.
I don’t think you should adulterate ice cream in any way, shape or form!
I can’t picture ice cream as a Mexican treat – fried or not. Let’s keep it simple. Enjoy Turkey Hill straight from the carton.
Back in 1983, I worked for a restaurant chain known as the Red Onion, in SO. Cal. They used whole grain Total cereal for the coating, mixed with sugar and cinnamon. The ice cream as a vanilla bean and formed into softball-sized balls and kept hard-frozen. They were pulled from the freezer, rolled in the coated and deep fried in their own frier when ordered. They were served with honey, strawberry, or chocolate syrup drizzled over them. Trust me they were incredibly delicious.
This is a really great post! Thanks for the video! So it IS actually fried… I had no idea! I’ve seen some of the cheaper versions that are just regular vanilla or cinnamon ice cream with cinnamon tortilla strips included…. but now I know what to look for to get the real deal! Thanks, Ernie!
Looks delicious!
My goodness! I am so glad you put the video on the internet site as I had always wondered if the ice cream really was fried. Where does the greasy taste go? Not sure if I want to try it now that I’ve seen it. Think I’ll stick with your terrific peppermint stick!
Heard about this years ago but have never tried it..the video was GREAT !! My father-in-law always said there was “no such thing as Baked Alaska ” but this proves heat and ice cream (esp Turkey Hill) can work together if done right…
Yummy. I am certainly going to try this.
yum………will definitely try this recipe…thanks
ice cream daily at 4 is my best habit! win the day, db meyers
burke, va 22015
INTEREESTING
I love fried ice cream!
I couldn’t believe how delicious this was!! We’ll be making this ALOT in our house!! THANKS TURKEY HILL
I wonder, is it even possible to have a “low-fat” fried ice cream?
I like my ice cream cold but I still would like to try it fried just to see if I would like it.
Hmmm…is it even possible to have a ‘low fat’ fried ice cream?
This is the best idea ever. I really enjoyed this when I was out this weekend. You have to try this if you already haven’t done so.
I am very excited to try making fried ice cream at home. I wonder what captian crunch would taste like instead of frosted flakes???
A very tasty dessert indeed!
Haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds great, so I will try it soon !!
Whoever was the first person that thought ice cream could be fried without it melting was very imaginative.
i HAVEN’T HAD FRIED ICE CREAM IN YEARS BUT THANKS FOR THE RECIPE. I’m going to make it tonight for my family!!
Many thanks, hadn’t thought about it in ages but mouth is already watering.
Many thanks – hadn’t thought about it in ages but now I might try to make it myself.
I like my ice cream a bit melted — I have been known to put my ice cream in the microwave so soften it. But I have not ever tried it fried. The recipe looks interesting. I am putting it on my list of things to do this summer … try fried ice cream!
WOW what could be better than something fried and ice cream together. I’m in heaven.
Fried icecream I always wondered how it was made. Thank you for posting that I will def try it out this summer with my kids. we love icecream so fried will be somethng new.
I just love fried ice cream. Who’d have thought it was that easy to make at home? My kids are gonna love this!
How can I keep ice cream from melting?
I can’t wait to try this with the Philadelphia Style Vanilla ! Maybe the best thing in the world will get even better !
Party Cake is my very favorite. Any chance that it could be packaged in individual cups?
I enjoy lots of flavors but the best buy at my home is cherry vanilla, roof tin, raspberry sherbert and raspberry ice cream….please don’t change these flavors.