Hong KongHong Kong French toast
Sāi dō sí: peanut-butter-filled fried toast with butter and golden syrup, cha chaan teng style
In Hong Kong's cha chaan teng (tea restaurants), French toast means two thick slices of white bread sandwiched with peanut butter, dipped in egg, fried until puffed and golden, then crowned with a pat of butter and a pour of golden syrup or condensed milk. It is an afternoon tea-set favourite, paired with a strong cup of milk tea, and it's richer than any French version. Chef's tip: trim the crusts and press the sandwich edges firmly so the egg doesn't seep into the peanut butter.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 640 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-sliced white breadabout 2.5 cm thick, crusts trimmed
- 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp evaporated milk
- ½ cup vegetable oilfor shallow frying
- 1 oz butter2 pats
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Spread 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter over 2 slices of 4 slices thick-sliced white bread and top with the other 2 slices. Press the edges firmly together all the way round.
Step 2: Beat 2 eggs and 2 tbsp evaporated milk in a shallow dish until no streaks of white remain.
Step 3: Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a small frying pan over a medium heat to about 350°F, when a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds.
4 minStep 4: Dip each sandwich in the egg for 10 seconds per side, including the edges, so it's coated but not soaked through. Common mistake: soaking the bread for minutes like a bread pudding; it falls apart in the oil and turns greasy inside.
Step 5: Fry one sandwich at a time for 2 minutes a side, spooning hot oil over the top, until puffed and deep golden all over, edges included. Drain on kitchen paper.
5 minStep 6: Serve hot, each with a pat of 1 oz butter on top and 4 tbsp golden syrup or condensed milk poured over at the table.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 640 kcal
- Protein
- 18 g
- Carbs
- 52 g
- Fat
- 40 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does hong Kong French toast take?
- About 20 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- What can I use instead of smooth peanut butter?
- The same weight of ghee or coconut oil (for frying and most baking).
- What can I use instead of eggs?
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, left for 5 minutes (baking only; vegan).
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