Mantou French Toast with Kaya Laksa Custard

Name: Mantou French Toast with Kaya Laksa Custard
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 pieces Frozen Mantou; 1 cup Full Cream Milk; 3 large Eggs; 3 tablespoons Kaya Jam; 1 tablespoon Laksa Paste; 2 tablespoons Coconut Cream; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 1 medium Fresh Mango; 8 pieces Fresh Strawberries; To taste Gula Melaka Syrup

A delightful fusion of familiar flavors! This recipe transforms fluffy mantou buns into a decadent French toast, soaked in a creamy kaya-infused laksa custard and pan-fried to a golden crisp. Served with fresh fruit and a drizzle of gula melaka, it's Singaporean breakfast elevated.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

685

Level

Easy

Yields

4 servings

Cost

S$2.85

Season:

☀️ Summer•tropical

Meal Type:

Breakfast•Snack•Bread

Cuisine:

French

Mood:

Comfort Food•Healthy

Ingredients

Servings

8piecesFrozen Mantou(Thawed slightly, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces)

S$3.50

1cupFull Cream Milk(Can substitute with coconut milk for richer flavor)

S$0.30

3largeEggs(Free-range preferred)

S$1.20

3tablespoonsKaya Jam(Choose a good quality kaya with pandan fragrance)

S$0.75

1tablespoonLaksa Paste(Adjust to your spice preference; mild version suggested for breakfast.)

S$0.40

2tablespoonsCoconut Cream(Adds richness and authenticity)

S$0.25

0.3teaspoonSalt(Enhances the flavor)

2tablespoonsUnsalted Butter(For frying)

S$0.30

1mediumFresh Mango(Diced)

S$1.20

8piecesFresh Strawberries(Halved or quartered)

S$2.00

To taste Gula Melaka Syrup(Store-bought or homemade)

S$1.50

Total Cost

S$11.40

S$2.85 per serving

The Method

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, kaya jam, laksa paste, coconut cream, and salt until smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a fragrant aroma of coconut, pandan, and a hint of spice.
2
Pour the kaya-laksa custard into a shallow dish. This will allow the mantou slices to soak evenly.
3
Gently dip each mantou slice into the custard, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Let the mantou soak for about 2-3 minutes per side. This allows the buns to absorb the flavorful custard, becoming soft and pillowy.
4
Heat the butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. The butter should be melted and shimmering, ready for frying.
5
Carefully place the soaked mantou slices into the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Fry in batches if necessary.
6
Cook the mantou slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning; adjust the heat if needed. The kitchen will fill with the inviting aroma of caramelized kaya and subtle laksa spices.
7
Remove the cooked mantou French toast from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess butter.
8
Arrange the golden-brown mantou slices on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh mango and strawberries. The vibrant colors of the fruit will complement the richness of the French toast.
9
Drizzle generously with gula melaka syrup. The syrup adds a final touch of sweetness and a characteristic Singaporean flavor.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy this unique and flavorful breakfast treat!

Buy ingredients on Loop

My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (250g)

685 kcal / 2866 kJ

Carbs

74g

28% of RDA

Fat

36g

51% of RDA

Protein

18g

36% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

3 g

10% of RDA

Sugar

42 g

47% of RDA

Sodium

420 mg

18% of RDA

Saturated Fat

22 g

110% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the custard mixture.

If you don't have gula melaka syrup, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey.

Experiment with different fruits such as bananas, pineapple, or dragon fruit for a varied flavor profile.

For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of regular milk in the custard.

If you are using frozen mantou, ensure it is mostly thawed before soaking in the custard. This will improve the absorption of the flavors.

Cooking Equipment

Large bowl

Whisk

Shallow dish

Non-stick frying pan

Spatula

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Share this recipe

Loading recipe...