Indulge your senses with a delightful twist on a classic dessert—Thai Tea Crème Brûlée! This exquisite treat combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional crème brûlée with the aromatic and bold flavors of Thai tea, creating a dessert that is both exotic and comforting. Imagine cracking through a perfectly caramelized sugar crust to reveal a luscious custard infused with the unique essence of Thai tea. Whether you're impressing guests at a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a luxurious dessert, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Thai tea leaves
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will ensure that your crème brûlée cooks evenly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of heavy cream and the 1/2 cup of Thai tea leaves. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Once the cream is simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors of the Thai tea to infuse into the cream.
- After steeping, strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the tea leaves. Press gently on the leaves to extract as much liquid as possible. You should have a fragrant, tea-infused cream.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Slowly pour the warm tea-infused cream into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking. This helps temper the eggs and prevents them from scrambling. Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Prepare four ramekins by placing them in a baking dish. Carefully pour the crème brûlée mixture into each ramekin, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath will help cook the custard gently and evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. The custard will continue to set as it cools.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully take the ramekins out of the water bath. Let them cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the top of each chilled crème brûlée. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crispy crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious Thai Tea Crème Brûlée!
Tips
- Infuse the Flavor: Make sure to steep the Thai tea leaves in the cream for the full 15 minutes to achieve a deep, rich flavor. The longer you steep, the more pronounced the tea taste will be.
- Temperature Control: When adding the warm cream to the egg yolks, pour it slowly while whisking continuously. This will help prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and scrambling.
- Water Bath Magic: Using a water bath is essential for even cooking. It helps maintain a gentle temperature, ensuring that your custard turns out silky smooth without any curdling.
- Chill Time: Don't rush the chilling process! Allow your crème brûlée to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Caramelizing Sugar: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broiling the sugar can work just as well. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, as it can go from perfect to charred very quickly!
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint or a slice of lime to complement the flavors of the Thai tea.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delectable dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 250mg
