Steam Oven Coconut Pancakes - Steamed Custard Cakelets
Laos Steam Oven Coconut Pancakes - Steamed Custard (Khanom Krok)
Khanom Krok are delightful little coconut pancakes that are a popular street food in Laos and Thailand. Using a steam oven provides a gentle and even heat source, resulting in a perfectly cooked, creamy custard centre and a slightly crisp exterior.
Yields: 20-24 small pancakes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Custard Batter:
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup rice flour
- ¼ cup tapioca starch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping Batter:
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- Pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Two medium bowls
- Whisk
- Steam oven with a perforated pan or a steamer basket that fits inside
- Small ladle or spoon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, and salt until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Set the batter aside to rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the rice flour and tapioca starch to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a smoother texture.
2. Prepare the Topping Batter:
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, rice flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Set aside.
3. Prepare the Steam Oven:
- Preheat your steam oven to 100°C (212°F).
- If using a steamer basket, line it with banana leaves or parchment paper with holes to prevent the batter from dripping through.
4. Steam the Pancakes:
- Place the perforated pan or steamer basket inside the steam oven.
- Using a small ladle or spoon, pour a small amount of the custard batter into each well of the pan or make small circles on the prepared liner in the steamer basket. They should be about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Immediately spoon a small amount of the topping batter onto the centre of each pancake.
- Close the steam oven and steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancakes are set around the edges and the custard is cooked through but still slightly soft in the centre.
5. Serve:
- Carefully remove the pancakes from the pan or steamer basket. You may need to use a small spatula to loosen them.
- Serve warm. Khanom Krok are best enjoyed fresh.
Tips for Perfect Khanom Krok:
- Batter Consistency: The custard batter should be smooth and pourable, similar to a thin pancake batter. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of coconut milk to thin it out.
- Don't Overcook: The pancakes should be cooked until set but still slightly soft and creamy in the centre. Overcooking will result in a dry texture.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the steam oven is preheated and the temperature is consistent for even cooking.
- Fresh Coconut Milk: Using fresh, full-fat coconut milk will give the best flavour and texture.
- Variations: Some variations include adding a small amount of cooked sweet corn kernels, chopped green onions, or shredded coconut to the topping batter for added flavour and texture.
Enjoy these delicious and unique Lao coconut pancakes!