Description
Hong Kong French Toast is a delicious and indulgent snack featuring thick milk bread sandwiches filled with a creamy custard, then deep-fried or air-fried to golden perfection and topped with sweetened condensed milk. This recipe combines a smooth custard filling with a crispy exterior, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors characteristic of Hong Kong-style cafes.
Ingredients
Custard Filling
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
French Toast Sandwich
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 6 slices thick white bread (preferably milk bread)
- Sweetened condensed milk, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and one large egg until smooth. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of milk to a boil. Gradually add the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until it thickens and boils. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Allow the custard to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Take three slices of thick white bread and spread a thin, even layer of the prepared custard filling between each slice. Sandwich the bread slices together to form a thick triple-decker.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk together the two large eggs and 1 tablespoon milk to create the egg wash.
- Coat the Sandwiches: Dip each sandwich completely in the egg wash, ensuring all surfaces are well coated to create a crisp exterior when cooked.
- Cook the French Toast: Option 1 – Deep Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully deep fry each sandwich until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Option 2 – Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the sandwiches with oil. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked French toast sandwiches to a serving plate and drizzle generously with sweetened condensed milk. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, sweet treat!
Notes
- Using thick milk bread is important to achieve the soft, fluffy texture typical of Hong Kong French toast.
- The custard filling can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated to save time.
- If deep frying, be cautious of hot oil and use appropriate safety measures.
- Air frying is a healthier alternative and still achieves a crispy exterior.
- Adjust sweetness by controlling the amount of sweetened condensed milk on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hong Kong
