Elegant Japanese-Style French Toast
After countless iterations and a quest for the perfect bread, I finally discovered the ultimate vessel for French toast: shoku pan. This uniquely square, fluffy bread, sourced from a Japanese bakery, brings a delightful twist to the classic recipe. Each thick slice, either an inch or more, holds the custardy goodness, elevating the dish into a blend of comfort and sophistication. Prepare it a couple of days in advance to allow the bread to slightly stale, as this ensures that it soaks up all the delicious custard without falling apart. If you can’t find shoku pan, opt for Texas toast for a similar indulgence. Each bite is a sumptuous experience that will leave you and your loved ones eagerly asking for more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wondra Flour or All-purpose Flour
1/4 cup (measured)
Milk
1 cup (whole, room temperature)
Salt
1 pinch (measured)
Eggs
3 (room temperature, slightly beaten)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (measured)
Ground Cloves
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
Sugar
1/2 tablespoon (measured)
Cognac or Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon (measured)
Shoku Pan Bread
1 loaf (thick sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, add the Wondra flour (or all-purpose flour).
2
Gradually whisk in the room temperature milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3
Whisk in the pinch of salt, beaten eggs, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, vanilla extract, sugar, and cognac (or Grand Marnier) until well combined.
4
Preheat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to create a nice sear on the bread.
5
Take thick slices of shoku pan and carefully soak them in the custard mixture until fully saturated, but avoid letting them overly soak or fall apart.
6
Place the soaked bread onto the preheated griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7
Transfer the cooked slices to a plate or baking dish, and keep them warm in a 250°F oven while you repeat the cooking process for the remaining slices.
8
Serve the French toast hot, topped with a pat of butter and drizzled with your favorite syrup, offering two slices per person for an indulgent breakfast experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key ingredient that makes this French toast Japanese-style?
The key ingredient is Shoku pan, a uniquely square and fluffy bread sourced from Japanese bakeries that provides a custardy and sophisticated texture.
What can I use as a substitute for Shoku pan?
If you cannot find Shoku pan, Texas toast is the best alternative for a similar indulgent and thick-sliced experience.
How thick should the bread slices be for this recipe?
The bread should be cut into thick slices, ideally one inch or more, to properly hold the custard.
Why is it recommended to use bread that is a couple of days old?
Allowing the bread to slightly stale for a couple of days ensures it can soak up the custard mixture without falling apart during the cooking process.
What type of flour is best for the custard mixture?
Wondra flour is recommended for its fine consistency, though regular all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.
How do I prevent lumps when mixing the custard?
To prevent lumps, gradually whisk the room temperature milk into the flour until the mixture is smooth before adding the other ingredients.
Does the milk need to be a specific temperature?
Yes, it is best to use whole milk that is at room temperature to ensure it incorporates smoothly with the flour and eggs.
What spices are included in this French toast recipe?
The recipe uses a blend of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
Is there alcohol in the custard recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one tablespoon of Cognac or Grand Marnier for added depth of flavor.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The recipe requires three room-temperature eggs that have been slightly beaten.
What is the purpose of the vanilla extract in this recipe?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to enhance the aromatic sweetness and depth of the custard.
How should I prepare the griddle for cooking?
Preheat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat until it is hot enough to create a nice sear on the bread.
How long should I soak the Shoku pan in the custard?
You should soak the slices until they are fully saturated but take care to avoid letting them overly soak to the point of falling apart.
What is the cooking time for each side of the bread?
Cook the soaked bread for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
How can I keep the first batches warm while I finish cooking?
Transfer cooked slices to a plate or baking dish and keep them in a 250°F oven to maintain their warmth and texture.
What is the recommended serving size?
For an indulgent breakfast experience, it is recommended to serve two slices per person.
What toppings are recommended for this Japanese-style French toast?
Serve the French toast hot with a pat of butter and a drizzle of your favorite syrup.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While the recipe specifies whole milk for a rich custard, you can use low-fat milk, though the result may be less creamy.
Is salt necessary in the custard?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the mixture to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavors.
Does the sugar amount make it very sweet?
The recipe uses only 1/2 tablespoon of sugar in the custard, relying on the syrup topping for additional sweetness.
Can I omit the Cognac or Grand Marnier?
Yes, if you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can omit the liqueur without affecting the structural integrity of the recipe.
What makes Shoku pan unique for this recipe?
Shoku pan is known for being extremely fluffy and having a square shape, which allows it to absorb custard like a sponge while remaining light.
Is a frying pan as good as a griddle?
Yes, a large frying pan works just as well as a griddle as long as it is heated properly to ensure a good sear.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger?
This recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, which distributes more evenly in the custard mixture.
Should the eggs be cold or room temperature?
The eggs should be at room temperature to help them emulsify better with the milk and flour.
Can I prepare the custard the night before?
Yes, the custard can be whisked together in advance, though you should store it in the refrigerator and whisk it again before use.
How do I know the griddle is hot enough?
The griddle is ready when a drop of water flicked onto it sizzles immediately, ensuring you get a crispy golden-brown exterior.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients: flour, milk, salt, eggs, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, sugar, cognac, and Shoku pan.
Is this a good recipe for a special occasion?
Absolutely; its elegant presentation and sophisticated blend of spices and textures make it perfect for a special brunch or breakfast.
Can I use more cinnamon than the recipe calls for?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, but you can adjust this slightly to your personal taste preference.