Table of Contents
- What is Hong Kong French Toast?
- Why This Is My Favorite Brunch Easy Recipe
- The Perfect Easy Dinner Treat
- My Test Kitchen Tips for Success
- A 20-Minute Recipe for Any Occasion
- Your Next Sweet Easy Recipe Adventure
- Hong Kong French Toast Recipe
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
- This Hong Kong French toast is a decadent twist on the classic, featuring a peanut butter-filled center.
- It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect quick breakfast or indulgent dessert.
- The secret lies in a sweetened egg wash and frying in butter for an irresistibly crispy, golden exterior.
- For best results, use thick, soft bread like milk bread or brioche and avoid over-soaking.
- This versatile easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any meal of the day.
What is Hong Kong French Toast?
If you love classic French toast, prepare to have your mind blown. Hong Kong-style French toast, or Zha Sìu Baau, is the ultimate indulgence. Imagine two slices of thick, fluffy bread sandwiched around a generous layer of creamy peanut butter, dipped in a sweet, custardy egg wash, and fried in butter until it achieves a perfectly crisp, golden-brown shell. It’s then served with a melting pat of butter and a generous drizzle of syrup. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a celebration on a plate. For a spectacular and easy recipe that feels like a treat from a fancy café, this is it. Hello, I’m Betty from Betty Cooks, and I’m thrilled to share my take on this iconic dish.
Why This Is My Favorite Brunch Easy Recipe
As someone who’s always on the lookout for impressive yet simple dishes, this Hong Kong French toast checks every box. The process is wonderfully straightforward—spread, dip, fry—yet the result looks and tastes incredibly special. It transforms basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. The contrast of the crispy fried edges with the soft, warm, gooey peanut butter center is pure magic. It’s the kind of dish that makes weekend brunch feel like an event, and it’s one of my go-to easy recipes when I want to treat my family without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Perfect Easy Dinner Treat
Don’t limit this masterpiece to just the morning! In Hong Kong, this sweet toast is just as common as a late-afternoon snack or even a dessert. I love serving it after a light dinner when we’re craving something sweet but substantial. It’s far more exciting than a bowl of ice cream and feels like a cozy, shareable dessert. Following this easy recipe for dinner is a fun way to break the routine and end the day on a deliciously sweet note.
My Test Kitchen Tips for Success
To ensure your French toast turns out perfect every time, here are a few pointers from my kitchen. First, bread choice is key. Opt for thick-sliced, soft bread like Japanese milk bread, brioche, or Texas toast. These varieties soak up the egg mixture beautifully without disintegrating. Second, don’t over-soak. A quick 10-15 second dip per side is enough to coat the bread without making it soggy. Finally, control your heat. Cook over medium heat so the exterior gets crispy and golden while the inside heats through completely. If you’re looking for a lighter method, the air fryer option in the notes works wonderfully!
A 20-Minute Recipe for Any Occasion
The beauty of this dish is its incredible versatility and speed. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. This makes it an ideal quick and easy recipe for dinner when you want something special fast. It’s fantastic for lazy weekend mornings, a surprise treat for kids after school, or even a unique offering at a brunch potluck. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and always disappears quickly. Truly, some of the best easy recipes for dinner are the ones that bring a smile to everyone’s face with minimal effort.
Your Next Sweet Easy Recipe Adventure
I hope you feel inspired to bring a taste of Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene into your own kitchen. This recipe is more than just food; it’s a fun, hands-on cooking experience that yields spectacular rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this approachable easy recipe is a wonderful place to explore new flavors. For more inspiration and simple, delicious guides to making everyday meals extraordinary, be sure to explore all the sweet easy recipes and other ideas waiting for you at Betty Cooks. Now, let’s get cooking!
Crispy Sweet Hong Kong French Toast: An Easy Recipe
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 4 slices thick white bread (preferably Japanese milk bread or brioche)
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
For the Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For Frying and Serving
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving
- Extra butter, for serving
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Sandwiches
- Spread a generous layer of peanut butter on two slices of bread. Top with the remaining two slices to make two sandwiches. Press down gently.
- Optional: Trim the crusts off for a more traditional look.
Make the Egg Wash
- In a shallow dish wide enough to fit a sandwich, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
Soak and Fry
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Working with one sandwich at a time, soak it in the egg wash for about 10-15 seconds per side, ensuring it’s fully coated but not falling apart.
- Carefully place the soaked sandwich in the hot skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the second sandwich, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Serve
- Slice the French toast diagonally. Serve immediately with a generous pat of butter on top, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Leave a Comment