This Chinese Buffet Jello Recipe is easy to make and results in firm jello cubes just like the ones at the Chinese buffets. It can be made using either gelatin or agar powder. I have included instructions for both.

Can't get enough of Chinese American recipes? Try my Chinese Fruit Salad With Mayo and Chicken Fingers next!

hand holding cube of Jello above plate of Jello

🥡 About This Recipe

Jello is one of the most common desserts at Chinese buffet restaurants. When I was a kid, I used to always fill my plate with them. My parents always got mad at me because it was probably one of the cheapest things on the menu, and they wanted us to get our money's worth.

Chinese buffet jello is much firmer than regular Jello. The ingredient that makes it firm is gelatin or agar powder. Both can be used, but I generally use gelatin because it's much easier to find. You usually have to go to a specialty kitchen store or a place like Whole Foods to find agar powder.

Jello powder actually already contains a small amount of gelatin. This is what thickens it in the first place, but it's not enough to thicken it to the firmness of Chinese restaurants; you need to add a little bit extra. I've found that one envelope of gelatin (about 7g or 0.25 ounces) is the perfect amount to thicken a small box of Jello.

🥊 Gelatin Vs. Agar Powder

Agar powder and gelatin are both gelling agents, meaning they both thicken liquids. Gelatin is made from animals, while agar is made from red algae. This makes agar a good option for vegetarians and vegans.

Another difference is that agar powder thickens at room temperature. Liquids mixed with gelatin need to be refrigerated for at least a few hours to stiffen up.

🧂 Ingredients

Jello Powder: We'll be using two 3-ounce boxes (or one 6-ounce box) today. You can use any flavor you want. It doesn't have to be Jello brand either.
Gelatin Powder (or agar powder): Most grocery stores sell gelatin in small boxes in the baking section. Agar can be purchased on Amazon or at specialty grocery stores.
Water: Of course, we'll need some water for this recipe.

🔪 Instructions

The following section provides instructions for using gelatin powder. The recipe card has instructions for using agar powder.

gelatin and Jello powder whisked in bowl

STEP 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the Jello powder and gelatin until homogenous. At this point, the rest of the recipe is more or less what is stated on the Jello package instructions.

cooled Jello mixture in rectangular container

STEP 2: Stir in 2 cups of boiling water until the Jello is completely dissolved then stir in 2 cups of cold water.

STEP 3: Transfer to a rectangular container and use a spoon to remove bubbles from the surface. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm. Cut into cubes and enjoy!

Growing up, my favorite way to eat Jello was with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. I always made my parents take me to buffets that had self-serve ice cream so I could have this combination.

If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it. It's oddly addictive!

📋 Recipe