How to Make a Dalgona Coffee With a Strainer (Viral 10 Seconds Hack!)

Dalgona coffee, the whipped coffee sensation that took the world by storm, is known for its fluffy, creamy texture and rich flavor. Traditionally, this coffee treat is made by whisking equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and water until it forms a thick foam, which is then spooned over milk. The usual method involves using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or even an elbow-grease-intensive hand mixer. But what if you're short on time or equipment? Enter the viral strainer hack—a quick and easy way to achieve that luscious dalgona coffee foam in just 10 seconds. Let's delve into this innovative technique and how you can master it at home.

The Origin of the Strainer Hack

The strainer hack for making dalgona coffee has been making waves on social media, offering a speedy alternative to the traditional whisking method. This ingenious trick involves using a fine mesh strainer to whip up the coffee foam. The best type of strainer for this hack is a small, fine-mesh sieve, the kind typically used for sifting flour or powdered sugar. The key is the fine mesh, which helps aerate the mixture quickly, creating the signature frothy texture of dalgona coffee. This method is perfect for those who don't have a whisk or simply want to save time—it's a quick fix that delivers impressive results.

How to Make Dalgona Coffee in 10 Seconds With a Strainer

The magic of the strainer hack lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. Start by gathering your ingredients: 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Instead of a bowl, use a flat plate to mix the ingredients. Pour the coffee, sugar, and water onto the plate, and then place the strainer over the mixture. Using a circular rubbing motion, press the mixture through the mesh with the back of a spoon. This process forces air into the mixture, creating the creamy, whipped texture characteristic of dalgona coffee. The fine mesh of the strainer breaks up the coffee granules and sugar, incorporating air quickly and efficiently. In just a few seconds, you'll have a perfect coffee foam ready to be spooned over a glass of cold or hot milk.

How to Store Your Dalgona Coffee Cream

Once you've whipped up your dalgona coffee, you might wonder how long the coffee cream can be stored. The good news is that the whipped coffee can be stored for later use, though it's best enjoyed fresh for the fluffiest texture. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate the coffee foam in an airtight container for up to 2 days. While refrigeration helps maintain its consistency, the foam may deflate slightly over time. If you're thinking about freezing it, that's an option too, though the texture might change slightly upon thawing. To use, simply give it a quick stir and spoon it over your milk of choice. However, we recommend making just enough for immediate consumption to enjoy that perfect, airy texture.

Can You Use Other Types of Coffee?

A common question is whether you can use something other than instant coffee for this hack. The short answer is: not really. The long answer involves a bit of science. Instant coffee is pre-brewed and then dehydrated, allowing it to dissolve instantly in water. This quality is crucial for creating the foam, as it helps to quickly incorporate air into the mixture. Ground coffee, on the other hand, doesn't dissolve in water, making it impossible to achieve the same frothy consistency. Similarly, brewed coffee lacks the concentrated nature of instant coffee, resulting in a weaker foam. So, if you're aiming for that iconic dalgona coffee experience, stick with instant coffee for best results.