Make Thai Desserts Like A Local: Thai Coconut Pancake Recipe
Thai coconut pancakes are a popular street food snack and dessert appreciated by tourists as well as locals. They are widely available at markets, street food stalls, and dessert stores across Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
What is Thai Coconut Pancake?
Thai coconut pancakes, or “Kanom Krok” in Thai, are a popular traditional Thai delicacy. These bite-sized snacks are produced with a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes a trace of salt, resulting in a savory and sweet flavor combination. They are cooked in a special pan with semi-spherical molds, yielding small, round pancakes with a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.
Tragic Love Story: The Folklore of The Thai Coconut Pancake
A popular story about the formation of Kanom Krok was told to be inspired by a tragic love story. Two lovers, Gati and Pang, were forbidden from being together. When they defied their families and eloped, they fell into a trap that was originally set for only one of them, and they were both found dead, embracing each other. According to the legend, villagers began crafting Kanom Krok, which is formed like two half-circles that connect, to represent Gati and Pang’s enduring love.
It’s also worth noting that Gati (กะทิ) means Coconut Milk, and Pang (แป้ง) means Flour.
Ingredients
For the Thai Coconut Pancake Batter
1 cup rice flour
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
For the Coconut Pancake Filling:
1 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup palm sugar (or brown sugar)
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation
Preparing The Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
Gradually add water while stirring until a smooth batter forms. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
Let the batter rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Making The Coconut Filling
In a saucepan, combine shredded coconut, palm sugar, water, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture becomes sticky.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool down.
How to Make Thai Coconut Pancake
Heat the Kanom Krok pan over medium heat and lightly grease the molds with oil.
Pour a small amount of batter into each mold, filling them about halfway.
Add a spoonful of the coconut filling into the center of each mold.
Cover the molds with a lid and allow the pancakes to cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
Using a small spatula or spoon, carefully remove the Thai coconut pancakes from the molds and transfer them to a serving plate.
Cooking Thai coconut pancakes at home is great because it allows you to customize the recipe to suit your preferences! Whether you prefer them sweeter, crispier, or with extra coconut filling. It’s a chance to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different variations to create your perfect batch.
Making Thai coconut pancakes at home can be a fun and gratifying culinary experience, allowing you to savor the unique flavors of Thailand from the comfort of your own kitchen. Alternatively, if you’re visiting Thailand, particularly Phuket, make sure to eat these excellent pancakes at Siam Niramit Phuket for a genuine Thai snack at our 100-Year-Old Village. Thai coconut pancakes, whether prepared or eaten at a local restaurant, are sure to satisfy your taste buds with their tempting blend of sweet coconut and crispy goodness.
