Chinese French Toast Recipe: A Tasty Fusion Breakfast Dish

If you are looking for a unique and delicious breakfast or brunch idea, you may want to try making Chinese French toast. This dish is a popular breakfast item in Hong Kong and is known for its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The dish is easy to make and requires only a few essential ingredients.

To make Chinese French toast, you will need bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and oil for frying. The bread is usually cut into thick slices, and the crusts are removed. The bread slices are then dipped into an egg and milk mixture, which is flavoured with sugar and cinnamon. The bread is then fried in hot oil until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside. The dish is usually served with sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, or honey as toppings.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese French toast is a unique and delicious breakfast or brunch idea.
• The dish has its own unique twist, which includes using sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter as toppings.
• Seafood, such as shrimp or crab, can be used to add a savoury flavour to the dish.

History and Origin

Hong Kong-Style French Toast

Hong Kong-style French toast is a popular dish that originated in Hong Kong's cha chaan tengs, which are traditional Hong Kong-style diners. The dish is a unique take on the classic French toast recipe, which was brought to Hong Kong during the colonial era.

The earliest known resemblance of French toast can date back to the 1st Century CE in Ancient Rome, where stale breads were soaked in milk and beaten eggs, pan-seared in oil, covered with honey and served as a dish called 'Pan Dulcis'. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, where European cooks used every bit of their food to survive.

Hong Kong-style French toast is typically prepared by combining multiple slices of bread with peanut butter or fruit jam filling, then dipping in beaten egg and deep frying. The dish is often served with butter and syrup, and sometimes topped with whipped cream.

Cha Chaan Tengs Influence

Cha chaan tengs are a significant influence on Hong Kong-style French toast. These diners serve a unique blend of Chinese and Western cuisine, and Hong Kong-style French toast is a perfect example of this fusion. The dish is a popular breakfast or dessert option at cha chaan tengs and is often served alongside other Chinese comfort food dishes.

If you are looking to add a unique twist to your Hong Kong-style French toast recipe, you can try adding seafood. Seafood is a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes, and it can be a great addition to your French toast. You can try adding shrimp or crab meat to your filling or topping your French toast with a seafood-based sauce.

Essential Ingredients

To make the perfect Chinese French toast, you need to start with the right ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients that you will need:

Choosing the Right Bread

The bread is the most important ingredient when it comes to making Chinese French toast. You can use either white bread or milk bread for this recipe. White bread is the most common type of bread used for Chinese French toast. It has a soft texture and is perfect for soaking up the egg batter. Milk bread, on the other hand, is a richer and denser bread that is perfect for making a more decadent French toast.

Egg Batter Basics

The egg batter is what gives the French toast its custardy texture. To make the egg batter, you will need eggs and milk. You can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it's whole milk, skim milk, or even almond milk. Beat the eggs and milk together until they are well combined. You can also add a pinch of salt and sugar to the batter to enhance the flavour.

Oils and Fats for Cooking

When it comes to cooking the French toast, you have a few options. You can use unsalted butter, vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. Unsalted butter is the most common choice as it adds a rich and buttery flavour to the French toast. Vegetable oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil are all neutral oils that won't affect the flavour of the French toast.

If you want to add seafood to your French toast recipe, you can use prawns or shrimp. Simply sauté the prawns or shrimp in a pan with some garlic and butter until they are cooked through. Then, add them to the French toast before serving for a delicious twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Procedure

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast, Chinese-style French toast is a perfect choice. This dish is made with simple ingredients, including bread, eggs, milk, and butter, and can be cooked in two ways: pan-fried or deep-fried. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Chinese-style French toast.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

The first step in making Chinese-style French toast is to prepare the egg mixture. In a bowl, whisk together two eggs, three tablespoons of milk, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth. You can add a tablespoon of sugar to the mixture if you prefer your French toast to be slightly sweet.

The Art of Pan-Frying

If you prefer your French toast to be pan-fried, heat a tablespoon of butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat until it melts. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Place the coated bread slices in the frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

Deep Frying Tips

If you prefer your French toast to be deep-fried, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot until it reaches 375°F. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Carefully place the coated bread slices in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the French toast from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

When cooking with oil, it is important to be cautious and take safety precautions. Always use a deep pot or fryer with a lid to avoid oil splatters, and never leave the hot oil unattended.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood to your Chinese-style French toast. Shrimp, crab, or lobster can be a great addition to the dish. Simply sauté the seafood in a pan with garlic and ginger, and add it to the egg mixture before coating the bread slices. This will give your French toast a unique and delicious flavour.

Chinese-style French toast is a simple and tasty breakfast dish that can be cooked in two ways: pan-fried or deep-fried. Follow these steps to make your own Chinese-style French toast and experiment with adding seafood for a unique twist.

Toppings and Variations

Classic Condiments

When it comes to toppings for Chinese French toast, classic condiments like maple syrup, honey, and powdered sugar are always a good choice. These sweet and simple toppings complement the flavour of the toast without overwhelming it. You can also try using condensed milk or sweetened condensed milk for a richer and creamier taste. If you prefer a fruitier flavour, try using jam or Nutella as a topping.

Sweet and Savoury Substitutions

If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of sweet and savoury substitutions you can try. For a nutty flavour, use almond butter as a topping. If you want something more exotic, try using coconut jam. This sweet and creamy spread is made from coconut milk and sugar, and is a popular topping in Southeast Asia.

For those who prefer savoury toppings, you can try adding seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or crab meat can be a great addition to the toast, adding a unique flavour and texture. Another savoury option is to use bacon or ham as a topping.

There are many different toppings and variations you can try when making Chinese French toast. Whether you prefer classic condiments or want to experiment with something new, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Serving and Pairing

Accompaniments

Chinese French Toast is a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the day. Whether you're having it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are a variety of accompaniments that can complement this dish. For a classic Hong Kong-style experience, serve your French toast with a generous drizzle of condensed milk. This will add a sweet and creamy flavour to your dish that will perfectly balance the savoury flavours of the toast.

If you prefer a more savoury accompaniment, try pairing your French toast with some scrambled eggs or bacon. This will add some protein to your meal and give it a heartier feel. You can also add some fresh fruit or whipped cream to your French toast for a lighter, more refreshing option.

Drink Pairings

When it comes to drink pairings, Hong Kong Milk Tea is the perfect match for Chinese French Toast. The strong, sweet flavour of the tea complements the rich and savoury flavours of the toast. If you're not a fan of tea, you can also pair your French toast with a strong cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee will help balance out the sweetness of the condensed milk.

For a more refreshing option, try pairing your French toast with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a smoothie. This will give your meal a burst of citrusy freshness that will perfectly complement the rich flavours of the toast.

Seafood Suggestion

For a unique twist on the classic Chinese French Toast recipe, try adding some seafood to your dish. Shrimp or prawns are a great option for seafood lovers. Simply sauté them in a pan with some garlic and butter and add them to your French toast sandwich. This will add a delicious savoury flavour and a bit of texture to your dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to make Chinese French toast?

The best way to make Chinese French toast is to start with a thick slice of bread and cut a pocket in the middle of it. Fill the pocket with peanut butter and then dip the bread into a mixture of egg and milk. Heat some oil in a frying pan and then fry the bread until it is golden brown on both sides. Drizzle some condensed milk on top and serve it hot.

How do I create a Hong Kong-style French toast?

To create a Hong Kong-style French toast, you will need to follow the basic steps of making Chinese French toast. However, the difference lies in the ingredients used. Hong Kong-style French toast is typically made with peanut butter and condensed milk, which gives it a unique flavour. You can also add some seafood to the recipe, such as shrimp or crab, to give it a different twist.

Can you make Chinese French toast without using condensed milk?

Yes, you can make Chinese French toast without using condensed milk. If you want to make it healthier, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of condensed milk. You can also add some fresh fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, to give it a fruity flavour.

What are the calorie contents of a typical Hong Kong French toast?

A typical Hong Kong French toast contains around 500-600 calories. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the size of the bread, the amount of oil used for frying, and the toppings added to it.

How does Hong Kong French toast differ from the traditional French toast?

Hong Kong French toast differs from the traditional French toast in terms of the ingredients used and the way it is prepared. Hong Kong French toast is typically made with peanut butter and condensed milk, while traditional French toast is made with eggs, milk, and sugar. Hong Kong French toast is also deep-fried, which gives it a crispy texture.

Is there a simple method for preparing Chinese French toast with eggs?

Yes, there is a simple method for preparing Chinese French toast with eggs. Beat two eggs in a bowl and add a splash of milk. Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture and fry it in a pan until it is golden brown on both sides. You can also add some seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the egg mixture to give it a different flavour.