Step into the vibrant culinary world of Yunnan, China, and you’ll inevitably encounter a fascinating dairy delight: 烤乳扇 (Kǎo Rǔshàn), or Grilled Rushan Cheese. This traditional snack, a staple of Bai ethnic minority cuisine, is made from a thin, fan-shaped cheese (Rushan) unique to the region. Often grilled until golden and crispy, then drizzled with condensed milk or rose sugar, it offers an irresistible blend of savory and sweet, with a delightfully chewy texture. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a taste of Yunnan’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural bounty.
🥢 Ingredients
- 2-3 pieces of Rushan cheese (乳扇), fan-shaped or rectangular
- 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil (e.g., vegetable oil or butter)
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons condensed milk
- Optional: 1 tablespoon rose sugar (玫瑰糖) or honey
- Optional: Wooden skewers
🔥 Instructions
- Gently unfold the Rushan cheese pieces if they are rolled. If they are large, you may cut them into smaller, manageable pieces or strips.
- Prepare your grilling surface: Heat a non-stick pan, griddle, or outdoor grill to medium heat. If using skewers, thread the cheese onto them.
- Lightly brush both sides of the Rushan cheese with cooking oil. This helps achieve a golden-brown crisp.
- Place the cheese on the heated grill or pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown, develops slight char marks, and becomes slightly crispy at the edges. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become too hard.
- Once cooked, immediately transfer the grilled Rushan cheese to a serving plate.
- For a traditional sweet finish, generously drizzle with condensed milk and/or sprinkle with rose sugar or honey while still warm.
- Serve hot and enjoy this unique Yunnanese delicacy!