Kai kou xiao facts for kids
| Type | Pastry |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | China |
| Region or state | Beijing |
| Main ingredients | Flour, peanut oil, eggs, sugar, malt sugar, sesame seeds, baking soda |
Kai kou xiao (pronounced "kye-koh-shee-ow") is a yummy Chinese snack! Its name means "open mouth laughing" in Chinese (Chinese: 开口笑; pinyin: kāikǒuxiào; literally "open mouth laughing"). These treats are like fried sesame egg cakes. You might also hear them called "smiling sesame cookies" or "laughing balls." They are super popular, especially during the Lunar New Year, because their cracked shape looks just like a happy, smiling mouth!
Contents
What are Kai Kou Xiao?
Kai kou xiao are a type of sweet pastry that comes from China. They are a traditional snack, especially enjoyed in the Beijing region. These small, round treats are known for their unique appearance. When they are cooked, they crack open, making them look like they are smiling or laughing. This is why they have such a cheerful name!
Why are They Popular?
These "laughing balls" are more than just a tasty snack; they also have a special meaning. Because they look like smiling mouths, they are often eaten during the Lunar New Year celebrations. In Chinese culture, a smiling mouth is a symbol of happiness, good luck, and prosperity for the coming year. Sharing kai kou xiao with family and friends is a way to wish everyone a joyful and lucky new year.
How Kai Kou Xiao are Made
Making Kai kou xiao is a fun process! Here are the main steps:
Ingredients You Need
The main ingredients for these delicious treats are flour, peanut oil, eggs, sugar, malt sugar (a type of sweet syrup), sesame seeds, and baking soda. Baking soda helps the dough rise and get those famous cracks!
Mixing the Dough
First, all the ingredients except the sesame seeds are mixed together. This creates a soft, smooth dough. Once the dough is ready, it's cut into many small, bite-sized pieces.
Adding the Sesame Seeds
Next, the sesame seeds are prepared. Sometimes they are lightly boiled in water to help them stick better. Each small piece of dough is then rolled in the sesame seeds until it's completely covered. This gives the kai kou xiao its nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Frying the Treats
Finally, the sesame-covered dough pieces are fried. They are usually cooked in a skillet with hot oil. As they fry, the heat makes the dough expand and crack open, creating the "smiling mouth" effect. Chefs often lift the pan on and off the stove to control the heat and make sure the treats cook perfectly. Once golden brown and cracked, they are ready to enjoy!
