If you are here because you want to know about kwek kwek health benefits, you are in the right place. It is important to know the food we are consuming so continue reading.
Are you a fan of Filipino street food? If so, then you’re probably familiar with kwek kwek or tokneneng – the popular quail egg snacks coated in orange batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. But have you ever wondered if they are healthy for you? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients used to make these mouth-watering treats and explore their potential health benefits. So, grab a seat and get ready to learn about the surprising health advantages that come with indulging in your favorite street food!
What is Kwek Kwek
Kwek kwek is a popular Filipino street food that has become a staple in many local fairs and markets. It is made by dipping boiled quail eggs in an orange-colored batter made from flour, water, cornstarch, salt, and annatto powder. The eggs are then deep-fried until they turn crispy on the outside.
The name “kwek kwek” comes from the sound that the vendor makes when calling out to potential customers. Tokneneng is another version of this dish that uses chicken or duck eggs instead of quail eggs.
This snack can be enjoyed plain or with various condiments such as vinegar or sweet chili sauce. Kwek kwek’s bright orange hue not only adds to its appeal but also gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other egg dishes.
Despite being considered unhealthy due to its deep-fried nature, kwek kwek remains a favorite among Filipinos young and old alike. Its affordability and accessibility make it an easy choice for those looking for tasty snacks on the go.
Kwek Kwek Ingredients and How It is Made
Kwek kwek is one of the most popular street foods in the Philippines. It is made up of hard-boiled quail eggs that are battered and deep-fried until golden brown. But what makes kwek kwek so irresistible? Let’s dive into the ingredients and how it is made.
The main ingredient of kwek kwek, as mentioned earlier, is quail eggs. These small eggs are packed with nutrients such as protein, vitamin B2, iron, and Zinc. They are also low in calories which makes them a healthier alternative to chicken eggs.
To make kwek-kwek, the boiled quail eggs are coated in a batter mixture consisting mainly of flour and cornstarch along with some spices like salt or pepper for added flavor. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the egg but not too stiff that it would fall off during frying.
Once coated with batter mixtures, they will be deep-fried until golden brown which gives them their crunchy texture on the outside while keeping them tender inside. Some vendors usually serve it with vinegar dipping sauce or sweet chili sauce for an added kick!
Kwek-Kwek may be indulgent but at least you can enjoy all these benefits from its natural ingredients without feeling guilty!
10 Kwek Kwek Health Benefits
Kwek Kwek, or Tokneneng as it is sometimes called in other regions of the Philippines, maybe a popular street food that’s normally enjoyed as a snack. But did you know that there are many health benefits to consuming this tasty treat? Here are ten Kwek Kwek health benefits:
1. Rich in Protein: The quail eggs used in making Kwek Kwek provide an excellent source of protein which helps build muscles and tissues.
2. Good for Eye Health: Quail eggs contain vitamin A which promotes good vision and prevents night blindness.
3. Boosts Immune System: The high content of Vitamin B12 found in quail eggs can help strengthen the immune system.
4. Helps Prevent Anemia: Quail eggs are rich sources of iron, essential for red blood cell production and preventing anemia.
5. Promotes Healthy Hair and Nails: The biotin present in quail eggs helps maintain healthy hair and nails.
6. Supports Brain Functioning: Choline present in quail egg yolk helps to improve memory functioning by transmitting nerve impulses between cells
7. Provides Energy Boosts: Carbohydrates from the flour coating on kwek kweks give quick energy-boosting effects without causing rapid fluctuations in sugar levels
8. Aids Digestion: Ginger extracts used inside some versions of kew keks traditionally aid digestion due to improved secretion of digestive enzymes
9. Controls Blood Pressure: Regular consumption may also reduce hypertension problems with its potassium content
10. Supports Metabolism processes: Riboflavin content supports various metabolic processes within the body such as better conversion into energy while reducing fatigue symptoms
Remember though; moderation is key when consuming any food, including kwek-kweks!
Possible Side Effects of Consuming Kwek Kwek
While kwek kwek is a popular and delicious street food, it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects. One possible concern is the high cholesterol content in quail eggs, which are the main ingredient in kwek kwek. Consuming too many quail eggs can lead to elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Another issue with consuming kwek kwek is the possibility of food poisoning. Because it’s a deep-fried snack that’s often sold by street vendors, there is a risk of contamination if proper food safety precautions aren’t taken during preparation and storage.
Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients in kwek kwek such as wheat flour or cornstarch used for coating. This can result in symptoms like itching, swelling or difficulty breathing.
Eating too much fried foods can increase your risk for heart disease and other health problems over time. While it’s fine to enjoy Kwek Kweks once in a while as part of a balanced diet – moderation should always be considered when indulging on this type of snacks!
Other Street Food Alternatives
Aside from kwek-kwek and tokneneng, there are other street food options that you can try. One of which is the fishball. It is made out of ground fish meat mixed with flour and seasonings, then deep-fried until golden brown. Fishballs are often served on a skewer and paired with sweet or spicy sauce.
Another popular street food option is the kikiam or quekiam. This dish originated from China but has been adapted by Filipinos over time. Kikiam is made out of ground pork or beef mixed with vegetables such as carrots, onions, garlic, and wood ear mushrooms wrapped in bean curd skin similar to Chinese sausage.
If you’re looking for something healthier than deep-fried dishes like kwek-kwek and tokneneng, you might want to consider grilled items like chicken intestines (isaw) or pork ears (walkman). These dishes may not be for everyone due to their texture but they are definitely worth trying at least once.
Other street food alternatives include taho (silken tofu served with arnibal syrup), balut (boiled fertilized duck egg), betamax (grilled dried pig’s blood), among others.
With so many street food options available in the Philippines, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with what to choose. However, always remember to practice moderation when consuming these dishes as they can be high in calories and sodium content if consumed excessively.
Conclusion
Kwek-kwek or tokneneng made with quail eggs can be a tasty and enjoyable snack option from the streets of the Philippines. While it may not necessarily be considered the healthiest choice due to its high cholesterol and fat content, consuming it in moderation can provide some benefits such as protein intake, improved vision, and skin health.
Moreover, one must always keep in mind that street food should only be consumed by trusted vendors who practice proper hygiene and sanitation. If you are looking for alternative snack options that are healthier than kwek-kwek or tokneneng, there are various other Filipino dishes available such as grilled fish or chicken skewers.
Thus, while indulging in this savory delicacy every once in a while is fine if you maintain healthy eating habits overall; regular consumption without caution could lead to potential health issues. So next time when you crave some kwek-kwek or tokneneng remember to enjoy it responsibly!
See Also:
- Chicken Diarrhea Home Remedy: 5 Tips You Must Know
- 5 Natural Antibiotics for Chickens
- Cornish Chicken Breed Profile
- Itlog ng Pugo – Health Benefits of Quail Eggs
- Rooster Dubbing Guide