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    Home » Drinks » Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng (Vietnamese Durian Shake)

    Published: Aug 5, 2021 · Last Modified: Aug 5, 2021 by Jeannette ·

    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng (Vietnamese Durian Shake)

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    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng is a Vietnamese Durian Shake designed to beat the Summer heat! Three star ingredients are blended with milk for an ultra smooth consistency, which makes it perfect when slurping. Learn how to open the fruit up all by yourself so you can indulge in this luxurious fruit drink.

    If you love this, try it with avocado!

    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng in a glass cup with a spoon in it.

    A drink worth every effort

    For anyone who wants to dive deep into authentic Vietnamese cuisine, you can’t skip over Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng. It’s a terrific fruit shake that’s thick and perfectly slurpable for the ultimate sweet treat!

    There are some drinks like a refreshing Pennywort Juice (Nước Rau Má) solely designed to bring balance to your body, and then there’s our homemade Durian Shake PACKED with fruity fragrance. The most incredible part? You can add as much durian as you like!

    Say goodbye to those orders where you only taste a smidgen of the fruit. As soon as you get your blender out for this version, you’ll never go back!

    It’s 100% customizable and you can add however much of each ingredient as you like. But the end result will be the same for all: ultra creamy, light and fluffy sweetness with the signature durian flavor that locals go crazy for!

    All about the fruit

    Durian.

    What it is

    It might be surprising to know that durian is actually known as the ‘King of Fruits’ in some places. They’re hard to miss because there’s no other fruit in the world that has sharp spikes and a smell that evokes fits of love (or hate) in its consumers.

    You’ll find them growing on trees in Malaysia and Thailand, where the trees can grow as tall as 50m (164 feet) high. If you ever get a chance to visit these orchards, make sure not to stand underneath a tree because you might end up with a head injury if the spiky fruit falls on you!

    Taste

    Often thought of as being an acquired taste, the fruit’s flavor is robust and its aromas can be smelt from long distances away when opened. Here are some ways people tend to describe the smell and taste:

    • If you love it: Creamy, beautifully sweet and fragrant.
    • If you hate it: Like sewerage or rotten onions – a similar sentiment to those who don’t like Bún Mắm (Vietnamese Fermented Fish Noodle Soup).

    Despite how people feel about it, there are actually many different breeds with unique flavor profiles. Thai versions are generally sweeter and mushier whereas Malaysian ones have a tighter texture and are stronger in the signature durian flavor – all super delicious!

    Health Benefits

    Lovers of the fruit will be happy to know that they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. They’re also naturally high in dietry fibre for digestive health and carbohydrates for energy to use throughout the day.

    Growing up, my family would often tell me not to eat too much of it because it’ll make my body ‘hot’ (熱氣 yit hei) and I’d need to cool it down by having some Chinese Herbal Tea (涼茶). So whenever I do get the chance to eat the delicious fruit, I make sure to have it in moderation!

    How do you pick a good durian?

    A durian with a hole cut through the husk.

    Each time we go to the Asian supermarket, there will almost always be a nice lady standing outside the fruit shop encouraging passersby to buy a durian. We trust that they know their products best, so we always ask them to choose a good one for us.

    They’ll often cut part of the shell open to expose the flesh inside so you get to see what you’re going to be spending your money on. But if that’s not an option, here’s what you can do:

    • Scratch the stem. You should be able to easily scratch into a bright green layer underneath, which indicates that it is still fresh.
    • Opt for the smaller ones. These will pack more flavor because there are fewer seeds to share the nutrients with. All the nutrients end up getting concentrated into the few seeds inside.
    • Check the bottom. Hold the fruit up so you’re looking at its base and make sure it is all still in tact without any openings.
    • Give it a smell. Place your nose close to the top and give it a good sniff. You should be able to smell the aromas coming through.
    • Go for gold. When open, check that the flesh is a deep yellow. The deeper the color, the riper it is.

    What is the easiest way to open one?

    A hand holding the durian with lines drawn on it.

    Use a large knife like a cleaver to make deep incisions starting from the center. Do so where you notice a bulge when looking from the base. The bulge is where the durian pieces are, so you want to cut where you can open that part up.

    Cut deeply enough to break through the thick husk. This will roughly be 2cm (0.8″) deep.

    You’ll end up with a star with about 7 points.

    A cleaver cutting into a durian.

    Follow one of the star’s points and run the knife along the durian’s length, cutting through the husk until you reach the stem.

    A hand opening up a durian.

    Use your hands to open the cut enough to scoop the pieces out, then repeat for all the other points in the star until every piece has been removed.

    You can even eat it straight as is or blend it into a delicious Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng!

    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng in glasses with a plate of durian.

    Why this recipe works

    • Opening up your own durian means you’ll get the freshest produce straight from the source.
    • Condensed milk keeps the drink sweet and creamy.
    • Using milk thins the mixture out just enough for it to be decadently smooth.

    What you’ll need

    Bowls of durian and ice along with a dish of condensed milk and a measuring jug of milk.

    About the ingredients

    All of these ingredients can be added to preference. If you prefer the consistency runnier, add more milk. To make it thicker, keep the liquids at a minimum and use more durian.

    You can also buy the frozen versions to save yourself from having to cut one open. They’re typically sold in Asian supermarkets in the freezer section.

    How to make this recipe

    A hand holding blitzed a durian shake in a nutribullet.

    Put all the ingredients in a blender and blitz everything until it’s blended to your liking.

    Serve cold as is!

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use coconut milk instead?

    Definitely! The taste will vary because of the coconut flavor, but if that’s what you like then go for it.

    I’m trying to take it slow. Is there anything I can add to dilute the durian’s flavor?

    Some families like to blend avocado in, which can lower the strong aromas. You might also like to try using less of the fruit.

    Why is my Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng bitter?

    There are some variations of the fruit that are more bitter than others. Make sure to ask for professional advice from the shopkeepers so they help you to choose the sweeter ones or give the top of the husk a good sniff. That way, you’ll be able to smell if there are bitter undertones.

    Tips for the best results

    • Freeze the durian. Just like what we do with our mango pieces for pancakes, freezing the fruit will give it creamier when blended. Remember to remove the seed before doing so!
    • Use full cream milk. It may be tempting to go for a lighter version, but you’ll get a richer flavor if you go full cream.
    • Use fresh ingredients. The fresher, the tastier! It’s always ideal to get the fruit as its peak so you can enjoy the purest taste.
    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng in glasses with a plate of durian.

    Try these classic Vietnamese desserts

    • Kem Chuối (Banana and Coconut Ice Cream) – Perfect for hot weather, the whole family can enjoy these nutty and creamy snacks after a long day.
    • Bánh Kẹp (Coconut Pandan Waffles) – Make them fresh for a classic after school snack packed with coconut and pandan flavor.
    • Sương Sáo (Grass Jelly) – Incredibly refreshing, there’s nothing better than relaxing with homemade grass jelly and fresh seasonal fruit.
    • Chè Trôi Nước (Vietnamese Glutinous Rice Balls) – You’ll love these dreamy dessert balls smothered in coconut cream and ginger syrup.
    • Chè Đậu Trắng (Sticky Rice Pudding with Black Eyed Peas) – This is a family favorite because it’s indulgent, comforting and can be enjoyed hot or cold!

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    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng in a glass cup with a spoon in it.

    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng (Vietnamese Durian Shake)

    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng is a creamy Vietnamese Durian Shake blended for a smooth consistency. Plus, learn how to open the fruit up yourself!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Durian Opening Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 26 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 138kcal
    Author: Jeannette

    Equipment

    • Blender

    Ingredients

    • 200 g / 0.44 lb durian (or to preference)
    • 1/4 US cup milk (or to preference)
    • 100 g / 0.22 lb ice (or to preference)
    • 4 tbsp condensed milk (or to preference)

    Instructions

    How To Open A Durian

    • Use a large knife like a cleaver to make deep incisions starting from the center. Do so where you notice a bulge when looking from the base. The bulge is where the durian pieces are, so you want to cut where you can open that part up.
    • Cut deeply enough to break through the thick husk. This will roughly be 2cm (0.8") deep. You'll end up with a star with about 7 points.
    • Follow one of the star's points and run the knife along the durian's length, cutting through the husk until you reach the stem.
    • Use your hands to open the cut enough to scoop the pieces out, then repeat for all the other points in the star until every piece has been removed.

    Making The Shake

    • Put all the ingredients in a blender and blitz everything until it's blended to your liking.
    • Serve cold as is!

    Notes

    • Freeze the durian. Just like what we do with our mango pieces for pancakes, freezing the fruit will give it creamier when blended. Remember to remove the seed before doing so!
    • Use full cream milk. It may be tempting to go for a lighter version, but you'll get a richer flavor if you go full cream.
    • Use fresh ingredients. The fresher, the tastier! It's always ideal to get the fruit as its peak so you can enjoy the purest taste.
    • All of the ingredients can be added to preference. If you prefer it runnier, add more milk. To make it thicker, keep the liquids at a minimum and use more durian.
    • You can buy frozen durian in Asian supermarkets in the freezer section.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me TODAY!If you recreated this authentic recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @wokandkin.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Danielle Wolter says

      August 10, 2021 at 8:32 pm

      5 stars
      I love Southeast Asian food and am a very adventurous eater, but have still not tried durian! I love all your tips here for opening and using it. Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Jeannette says

        August 11, 2021 at 7:22 pm

        I hope you get to try it soon, Danielle! It sure it something worth trying!

        Reply
    2. Kechi says

      August 10, 2021 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      This shake looks so refreshing and nutritious! I have never seen this fruit before, but it sounds so yummy and healthy. Will love to see if my grocery store has it! Thanks so much for sharing.🙏🏾

      Reply
      • Jeannette says

        August 11, 2021 at 7:22 pm

        Hopefully you get to find and try it soon, Kechi!

        Reply
    3. Katherine says

      August 10, 2021 at 9:57 pm

      5 stars
      This shake looks so good! I need to get me some durian!

      Reply
      • Jeannette says

        August 11, 2021 at 7:23 pm

        Thanks, Katherine!

        Reply
    4. Kristen says

      August 10, 2021 at 10:22 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe turned out great! I made it with frozen durian and loved it.

      Reply
      • Jeannette says

        August 11, 2021 at 7:23 pm

        That’s wonderful to hear, Kristen! Frozen durian is so convenient!

        Reply
    5. Tavo says

      August 10, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      Durian! I didn’t know about this fruit! It looks a little bit like soursop! I loved the recipe and its simplicity. I go very often to the Asian Markets so will be looking for this one!

      Reply
      • Jeannette says

        August 11, 2021 at 7:26 pm

        It IS a bit like soursop! It definitely has that creaminess from soursop. I hope you see it soon!

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes

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    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng in a glass cup with a spoon in it.
    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng in glasses with a plate of durian.
    Sinh Tố Sầu Riêng in glasses with a plate of durian.

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