When it comes to Chinese desserts, one cannot miss out on the delectable dan tat, also known as egg tarts. These small, flaky pastries filled with a creamy egg custard are a popular snack in Chinese cuisine. Originating from Guangzhou, China, dan tat has become a beloved treat all over the world. Today, we will take a closer look at this Chinese dan tat recipe and learn how to make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Butter, Sugar, Water, Lard, Large Eggs
Chinese Egg Tarts, also known as Dan Tat, are a popular dessert found in many Chinese bakeries. These sweet and creamy tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and a rich egg custard filling. They are a delicious and easy treat to make at home and are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe for a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist.
2of 20
Egg Tart (Dan Tat)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Egg, Sugar, Shortening, Cold Water, Butter, All
Egg Tart, or Dan Tat, is a classic Chinese dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. These delicate tarts are made with a buttery crust and a smooth egg custard filling. Serve them warm for a comforting and indulgent treat.
Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and for good reason. This sweet and tangy dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a delicious orange sauce. It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Make it at home for a healthier and more budget-friendly version of this takeout classic.
Beef and broccoli is a staple dish in Chinese-American cuisine. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with broccoli and a savory sauce, creating a delicious and healthy meal that can be on the table in minutes. Make this recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Fried rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be found on the menus of many Chinese restaurants. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite protein and vegetables. Try this classic recipe for a taste of authentic Chinese fried rice.
6of 20
Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
Chicken thighs are a popular cut of meat in Chinese cuisine because of their tenderness and flavor. This recipe features marinated chicken thighs that are pan-fried and then simmered in a savory sauce. Enjoy this dish with rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Chicken and broccoli is a simple and delicious dish that is commonly found on Chinese restaurant menus. This recipe features marinated chicken and fresh broccoli stir-fried in a flavorful sauce. Make it at home for a healthier and more budget-friendly version of this popular takeout dish.
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese soup that is made with a simple and flavorful broth and delicate egg ribbons. It's a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for when you're feeling under the weather. Try this recipe for a taste of traditional Chinese comfort food.
9of 20
Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Fried rice is a staple on Chinese takeout menus, and for good reason. This classic dish features fluffy rice stir-fried with tender pieces of pork and a variety of vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal. Make it at home for a healthier and more budget-friendly version of this beloved takeout favorite.
10of 20
Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Egg fried rice is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for using up leftover rice. This recipe features fluffy rice stir-fried with scrambled eggs and your choice of protein and vegetables. Enjoy it as a side dish or add some protein for a complete meal.
11of 20
Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
Fried chicken wings are a popular appetizer at Chinese restaurants. This recipe features crispy and flavorful wings that are coated in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce. Make them at home for a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
12of 20
Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
Broccoli beef is a classic Chinese dish that features tender strips of beef and fresh broccoli stir-fried in a savory sauce. It's a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Make it at home for a healthier and more budget-friendly version of this popular takeout dish.
Egg rolls are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine and are a must-try for any fan of Chinese food. These crispy and flavorful rolls are filled with a mixture of vegetables and protein and are perfect for dipping in sweet and sour sauce. Try this recipe for a taste of traditional Chinese egg rolls.
BBQ pork, also known as char siu, is a staple in Chinese cuisine. This recipe features tender and flavorful pork that is marinated and then roasted to perfection. It's a delicious and versatile protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. Make it at home for a taste of authentic Chinese BBQ pork.
15of 20
Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Fried rice is a staple on Chinese takeout menus, and for good reason. This classic dish features fluffy rice stir-fried with tender pieces of beef and a variety of vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal. Make it at home for a healthier and more budget-friendly version of this beloved takeout favorite.
Stir-fries are a popular and versatile dish in Chinese cuisine. This recipe features marinated chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables stir-fried in a flavorful sauce. Enjoy it over rice or noodles for a complete and delicious meal.
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese dish that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Make it at home for a healthier and more budget-friendly version of this takeout favorite.
Honey prawns, also known as honey walnut shrimp, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. This recipe features tender and juicy prawns coated in a sweet and creamy sauce and served with crunchy candied walnuts. Try it for a delicious and indulgent meal.
19of 20
Homemade Chinese Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Chinese Chives, Medium Carrot, Shredded
Chinese fried noodles are a popular and versatile dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants. This recipe features crispy and flavorful noodles stir-fried with your choice of protein and vegetables. Make it at home for a healthier and more budget-friendly version of this beloved takeout dish.
20of 20
Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
Eggplant with spicy garlic sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is commonly found on Chinese restaurant menus. This recipe features tender eggplant stir-fried in a spicy and savory sauce. Enjoy it as a side dish or add some protein for a complete meal.
The Origin of Dan Tat
Dan tat originated in Guangzhou, China, during the 1920s. It was created by a small bakery that wanted to utilize leftover egg custard from another popular dessert, mooncakes. The bakers decided to use the leftover custard to fill small pastries, which they named dan tat, meaning "egg tart" in Cantonese. As the demand for this delicious treat grew, it soon became a staple in Cantonese bakeries and spread to other regions of China and beyond.
The Ingredients
The traditional Chinese dan tat recipe uses simple and affordable ingredients that are easily available in most kitchens. You will need all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract for the pastry dough. For the filling, you will need eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Some variations include adding coconut milk or almond extract to the custard filling for a twist in flavor.
The Process
Making dan tat may seem intimidating, but it is actually quite simple. The key to achieving the perfect dan tat lies in the flaky pastry. It requires a technique called "laminating," where the dough is repeatedly folded and rolled with butter to create layers. This creates a crispy and flaky texture, similar to that of a croissant. The custard filling is then poured into the pre-baked pastry shell and baked until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the traditional Chinese dan tat recipe calls for a plain egg custard filling, there are many variations that have become popular over the years. Some bakeries add a layer of fruit jam or fruit on top of the custard, while others infuse the custard with flavors like green tea or chocolate. Additionally, dan tat can be served warm or chilled, and some people even enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
In conclusion, dan tat is a beloved Chinese dessert that has stood the test of time and is loved by people all over the world. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, making dan tat at home is a fun and delicious way to bring a taste of Chinese cuisine into your kitchen. So why not give this Chinese dan tat recipe a try and indulge in a sweet and flaky treat?