making whipped coffee with a plate
making whipped coffee with a plate is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 96 calories per serving. Recipe by Ethan Rode on YouTube.
Prep: 1 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 11 min
Cost: $0.40 total, $0.40 per serving
Ingredients
- unspecified Instant Coffee (use a strong, fine‑ground instant coffee; typical recipe uses 2 Tbsp)
- unspecified Granulated Sugar (regular white sugar; typical recipe uses 2 Tbsp)
- unspecified Hot Water (just off the boil (around 80‑90°C); enough to dissolve coffee and sugar (about 2 Tbsp))
Instructions
Set Up Plate and Add Ingredients
Place a dinner plate with a slight lip on a stable surface. Add the instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water directly onto the plate.
Time: PT1M
Whisk the Mixture
Hold the fine‑mesh strainer over the plate and whisk vigorously in a circular motion. Continue whisking for about five minutes until the mixture turns light, airy, and holds stiff peaks.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Spoon the whipped coffee foam over a glass of cold milk (or any milk alternative). Stir before drinking if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 96
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 24 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Coffee: espresso powder, instant espresso
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, brown sugar
- Instead of Hot Water: hot milk (for a richer foam), hot plant‑based milk
Equipment Needed
- Dinner Plate
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Whisk (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk until the mixture reaches stiff peaks; under‑whisked foam will be watery.
- Use a plate with a lip to prevent spillage during the vigorous whisking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using a fine‑mesh strainer as a whisk gives extra resistance, helping incorporate more air.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of vanilla extract or a dash of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture before whisking.
Troubleshooting
Foam stays grainy and never becomes fluffy.
Make sure the water is hot enough to dissolve the sugar and coffee. Continue whisking longer; the foam will eventually become smooth.
Foam collapses quickly after topping the milk.
Serve immediately after whisking. If you need to hold it, keep the foam in a sealed container in the fridge and re‑whisk briefly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Foam can be kept in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; re‑whisk briefly before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; will lose volume quickly at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the foam in advance and store it in the refrigerator; give it a quick whisk before topping the milk.
- You can pre‑measure coffee and sugar in a small jar for faster assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona coffee in Korean cuisine?
Dalgona coffee became a viral sensation during the 2020 pandemic, but its roots trace back to a Korean street candy called dalgona, a honey‑comb‑like toffee. The coffee foam mimics the light, airy texture of that candy, turning a simple instant coffee into a trendy, Instagram‑ready drink.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dalgona coffee in Korean street food culture?
While the classic version uses only instant coffee, sugar, and water, some Korean cafés add a splash of milk or flavored syrups, and others sprinkle cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for extra aroma. The basic technique, however, remains the same across regions.
How is Dalgona coffee traditionally served in South Korea?
In Korea, the whipped coffee foam is usually spooned over a glass of cold milk (or plant‑based milk) and served with a straw, allowing the drinker to stir the foam into the milk before sipping.
During which occasions is Dalgona coffee commonly enjoyed in Korean pop culture?
Dalgona coffee surged in popularity during lockdowns and is now a staple for casual brunches, TikTok challenges, and coffee‑shop social media posts, symbolizing a fun, easy‑to‑make treat.
What makes Dalgona coffee special compared to regular iced coffee in Korean cuisine?
The hallmark of Dalgona coffee is its thick, cloud‑like foam created by aerating instant coffee, sugar, and water. This texture contrasts with the smoothness of regular iced coffee and provides a visual and tactile novelty.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dalgona coffee at home?
Common errors include using cold water (which prevents the sugar from dissolving), whisking for too short a time, and using a plate without a lip that lets the foam spill. Whisk until stiff peaks form and keep the plate stable.
Why does this Dalgona coffee recipe use a fine mesh strainer instead of a traditional whisk?
The fine mesh strainer adds resistance, forcing the whisker to work harder and incorporate more air, which speeds up the formation of the fluffy foam compared to a regular whisk.
Can I make Dalgona coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can whisk the foam ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving, give it a quick whisk to revive the airy texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when my Dalgona coffee is ready?
The foam should be light, glossy, and hold stiff peaks—when you lift the whisk, the foam should form a mound that doesn’t collapse immediately and has a velvety, cloud‑like surface.
How do I know when the Dalgona coffee is done whisking?
When the mixture changes from a watery brown liquid to a thick, pale‑beige foam that can hold its shape on the plate and forms stiff peaks, it is done. A quick test is to flip the plate; the foam should stay in place.
What does the YouTube channel Ethan Rode specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ethan Rode focuses on simple, equipment‑light cooking hacks and quick recipes that anyone can make at home without fancy tools.
How does the YouTube channel Ethan Rode's approach to coffee recipes differ from other coffee‑focused channels?
Ethan Rode emphasizes minimal‑tool methods—using everyday kitchen items like a dinner plate and strainer—whereas many coffee channels rely on specialized equipment such as electric frothers or mixers.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
