Thai Coconut Custard (Printable)

A fragrant, silky custard with rich coconut flavor, steamed to perfection for a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Custard Base

01 - 4 large eggs
02 - 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
03 - 1/2 cup palm sugar, firmly packed (or light brown sugar)
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

→ Topping

06 - 2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut
07 - Fresh fruit (mango or lychee), sliced

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until just combined. Avoid overbeating to prevent excess bubbles from forming in the custard.
02 - Add coconut milk, palm sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently until sugar dissolves completely and mixture achieves smooth consistency.
03 - Pour the custard base through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher or measuring cup. This step ensures silky texture by removing any egg strands or undissolved sugar particles.
04 - Divide the strained mixture evenly among 4 small heatproof ramekins or custard cups.
05 - Place ramekins in a steamer with gently simmering water. Cover and steam over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes until custard appears set but still wobbles slightly in the center. High heat will cause curdling.
06 - Carefully remove ramekins from steamer. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour for optimal texture and flavor development.
07 - Top each chilled custard with toasted shredded coconut and fresh sliced fruit immediately before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its dairy-free but tastes impossibly rich, thanks to full fat coconut milk
  • The steaming method creates the most velvety texture youll ever experience without any fancy techniques
02 -
  • Low gentle heat is crucial, high heat will cause the custard to curdle and develop an unpleasant texture
  • The custard continues cooking slightly after removal from the steamer, so removing it while still slightly wobbly in the center is perfect
03 -
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help everything blend seamlessly together
  • If you don't have a steamer, set a heatproof bowl on mason jar rings in a pot of simmering water

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