Durian Treats & Recipes

How to Cook Durian: Unleashing the Flavorful Potential of the King of Fruits

Lucy

Durian is often referred to as the “king of fruits,” and for good reason. Its rich, creamy flesh is a delight to many, while its strong aroma can be off-putting to others. This unique fruit, native to Southeast Asia, is a culinary marvel with the potential to elevate dishes to extraordinary levels. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook durian, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’ll explore the diverse ways you can incorporate durian into your cooking, transforming it from a simple fruit into a gourmet ingredient.

Understanding Durian

Before we dive into the kitchen, it’s essential to understand what makes durian so special. Durian’s flesh is rich, custard-like, and packed with a complex mix of sweet, savory, and slightly bitter flavors. The aroma, often described as a mix of onions, turpentine, and raw sewage, can be intimidating, but once you get past it, the taste is heavenly. Durian comes in several varieties, each with its unique flavor profile and texture, which can influence how you use it in cooking.

Selecting the Right Durian

When cooking with durian, the quality and ripeness of the fruit are crucial. Here are a few tips for selecting the perfect durian:

  1. Smell: A ripe durian will emit a strong, distinctive aroma. If the smell is faint, the fruit may not be fully ripe.
  2. Shake: Give the durian a gentle shake. If you hear the seeds moving around, it’s likely ripe.
  3. Touch: The durian’s spikes should be slightly flexible when pressed.
  4. Appearance: Look for a durian with a uniform color and no visible cracks or damage.

Preparing Durian for Cooking

Once you’ve selected your durian, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Here’s how to handle this formidable fruit:

  1. Opening the Durian: Use a thick towel or gloves to protect your hands from the sharp spikes. Locate the natural seams running from the top to the bottom of the fruit and carefully insert a knife into one of the seams. Twist the knife to pry the durian open. Repeat along other seams until the durian splits open.
  2. Extracting the Flesh: Inside, you’ll find several pods of flesh surrounding the seeds. Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out the flesh, being careful to avoid the large seeds.

Cooking with Durian

Now that you have your durian flesh ready, let’s explore some exciting ways to cook with it.

Durian Ice Cream

Durian ice cream is a beloved treat in many parts of Southeast Asia. Its creamy texture and intense flavor make it a perfect candidate for this frozen dessert. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups durian flesh
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Blend the durian flesh until smooth.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, but do not boil.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the durian puree and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Durian Pancakes

Durian pancakes are a delightful fusion of fluffy pancakes and durian’s rich flavor. They make for an excellent breakfast or dessert option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 cup durian flesh, mashed

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the milk and melted butter.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Fold in the mashed durian flesh.
  5. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
  6. Serve with syrup, honey, or additional fresh durian.

Durian Sticky Rice

Durian sticky rice is a traditional Thai dessert that combines the creaminess of durian with the chewy texture of glutinous rice. It’s a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup glutinous rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup durian flesh, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  3. While the rice is steaming, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the coconut milk mixture over it. Stir well to combine, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  5. To serve, place a portion of sticky rice on a plate and top with chopped durian flesh.

Durian Smoothie

A durian smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious way to enjoy the fruit’s unique flavor. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a midday snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup durian flesh
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Cooking with Durian

  1. Balancing Flavors: Durian’s strong flavor can overpower other ingredients, so it’s essential to balance it with complementary flavors. Ingredients like coconut milk, pandan, and palm sugar work well to mellow and enhance the taste of durian.
  2. Temperature Matters: Durian’s texture and flavor change with temperature. For a milder flavor, use durian chilled. For a more intense experience, use it at room temperature.
  3. Cooking Techniques: Durian can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Experiment with different cooking techniques like steaming, baking, and even grilling to explore its versatility.

Final Thoughts …

Cooking with durian may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of creativity and an open mind, you can create delicious and unique dishes that showcase the fruit’s extraordinary flavor. Whether you’re making a creamy ice cream, fluffy pancakes, a traditional sticky rice dessert, or a refreshing smoothie, durian can add a special touch to your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you come across this spiky, aromatic fruit, don’t be afraid to bring it into your kitchen and start experimenting. The king of fruits awaits your culinary exploration.