Description
A beloved Asian-inspired dessert: creamy, custard-like milk squares coated in golden panko crumbs and deep-fried to perfection. These crunchy bites ooze warm, sweet milk filling with every bite — a perfect treat with tea or coffee!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for deep-frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a smooth, glossy custard (about 8–10 min). Pour into a parchment-lined 8 × 8 inch (20 cm) square pan and smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight) until firm.
- Cut and Coat: Once firm, lift the custard slab from the pan and cut it into bite-size cubes. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko crumbs. Dredge each cube in flour, dip in egg, then coat generously in panko. For best results, freeze coated cubes for 30 minutes before frying (helps maintain shape).
- Deep-Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F / 175°C. Fry a few cubes at a time until golden brown and crisp (about 1 ½–2 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve warm with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, honey, or caramel sauce. Sprinkle powdered sugar for a finishing touch if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use sweetened condensed milk in the custard.
- Freezing the coated cubes helps them maintain their shape while frying.
- Adjust frying time based on the size of the cubes for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg