Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your DIY Kueh Pie Tee Shells

Kueh Pie Tee is a popular Peranakan delicacy which has become popular due to its light, crispy shells and tasty savoury filling. It is prominent in Southeast Asia and is frequently served at special occasions or festive gatherings. While buying ready-made shells is convenient, making them from scratch at home gives you the feeling of accomplishment and allows you to personalise them to your liking. Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks that will help you to make your perfect DIY Kueh Pie Tee shells that are golden, crunchy, and ready to elevate any filling you select.

Ingredients and Tools

The basis of great Kueh Pie Tee shells is selecting the right ingredients and using the correct tools.

Plain flour will be the primary ingredient of the batter, supported by rice flour and corn flour, which offers the crispiness required for these shells. Adding an egg offers structure and binding, and you need to add a touch of salt to improve the flavour. Then water ensures that the batter has the proper consistency, and cooking oil is used both in the batter and for deep frying.

In terms of tools, a few basic items will greatly simplify the process. A mixing basin and whisk will make it easier to incorporate the components smoothly. A strainer is essential for ensuring that the batter is free of lumps. Another important tool is the Kueh Pie Tee moulds which are essential for shaping the shells. A deep frying pan with enough oil is also essential to completely submerge the moulds to evenly cook the kueh pie tee shells. A set of tongs will also come in handy for handling the hot moulds and cooked shells.

Preparation

Proper preparation is necessary to create your DIY Kueh Pie Tee shells.

First you should begin with preparing the batter and for that plain flour, rice flour and salt should be sifted together to remove any lumps. Then you need to crack an egg into the bowl and slowly pour in the water while whisking continuously. This helps to prevent clumping and creates a smooth batter. The right batter consistency should be a little runny, similar to the pancake batter, so that the shells can coat the moulds equally without becoming overly thick.

Once the batter has been mixed, straining it through a sieve is required to remove any leftover lumps and ensure an equal texture. Then the batter should be kept aside to rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to thoroughly absorb the water, preventing air bubbles from developing during frying and producing crispier shells. Skipping this step may result in inconsistent, breakable shells.

Cooking the Shells

Cooking the shells requires a combination of precision and patience.

Before you begin frying, heat the moulds in the oil for a few minutes. This ensures that the batter sticks evenly to the mould. To keep the mould from sticking, lightly add some oil to it once it has heated up. The mould can be brushed with oil or gently dipped into heated oil.

Heat the oil to 170°C which is the ideal frying temperature. Maintaining this temperature is important for consistent cooking, as excessively hot oil may burn the shells and too cold oil would result in mushy shells. Dip the mould into the batter, covering it about three-quarters of the way up. Avoid completely soaking the mould, as this makes it difficult to extract the shells later on.

Once covered, you need to place the mould in the hot oil. Hold the mould steady for a few seconds to allow the batter to set before gently moving it to remove the shell. Fry the shells until they are golden brown, which should take around 1-2 minutes. Then using tongs, you can carefully take the shells from the oil and lay them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. To avoid common issues, make sure your moulds are properly heated and oiled, as this prevents the shells from sticking. If you notice irregular cooking, check the oil temperature and avoid overflowing the frying pan, which can reduce the temperature and damage the texture of the shells.

Serving Suggestions

Once the Kueh Pie Tee shells have been prepared, it’s time to fill them with tasty fillings.

Fill the shells with a stir-fried mixture of julienned turnip and carrots seasoned with garlic, soy sauce, and dried shrimp for a traditional touch. For an authentic flavour, garnish with hard-boiled eggs and tiny prawns. For vegetarian options, mashed avocado, stir-fried mushrooms, or salsa are great choices.

For a more modern touch, try fusion fillings like hot tuna, pulled chicken, or even kimchi. This popular snack gains a distinct flavour profile due to these creative combinations. When serving Kueh Pie Tee, presentation is equally important. Arrange the filled shells on a serving plate and top with fresh cilantro, chili pieces, or shredded cheese. The rich colours and textures will make the meal visually appealing and ideal for parties.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover shells, proper storage and reheating will help keep them crispy.

When the shells have cooled, place them in an airtight container. This stops them from absorbing moisture and becoming squishy. Keep the jar in a cool, dry area, and the shells will last up to a week. When it’s time to reheat, avoid microwaving because it can make the shells soggy. Preheat the oven to about 160°C and lay the shells on a baking tray. Warm them for 5-7 minutes and you will be able to restore their crisp texture without turning oily.

Ann Chin’s Ready-Made Kueh Pie Tee Shells and Party Sets

If you are not finding enough time to make your DIY kueh Pie Tee shells but are looking for high-quality shells Ann Chin is your go-to-place. Our ready-made shells will offer you the same crispness and authenticity as the ones that you will make at your home. Whether you’re hosting a Kueh Pie Tee party or craving a quick snack, our Kueh Pie Tee Sets have you covered. From the DIY Kue Pie Tee Party Set (50 cups) starting at S$50.00 to the Fun Sized Set (30 cups) from S$32.00, or a tub of our crispy Kueh Pie Tee cups for just S$13.00, there’s an option for everyone. Order now to get your Kueh Pie Tee delivery and let Ann Chin bring convenience and deliciousness to your celebrations!