Steamed Papaya Stuffed With Egg Custard
A delicate and fragrant Thai-inspired dessert featuring a silky coconut egg custard steamed directly inside a ripe papaya.

Total
1h 5m
Prep
20 min
Cook
45 min
Serves
4
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Recipe serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 units Large ripe papayas (firm enough to hold shape)
- 4 units Large eggs
- 1 cup Coconut cream
- 0.5 cup Palm sugar (finely chopped)
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 units Pandan leaves (tied in a knot for whisking)(optional)
- 4 cups Water (for steamer)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the top off each papaya and use a spoon to carefully scoop out all the seeds and pith.
- 2
If the papayas won't stand upright, slice a very thin sliver off the bottom to create a flat base, being careful not to cut through to the hollow center.
- 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, coconut cream, palm sugar, salt, and vanilla.
- 4
Whisk the mixture gently by hand (traditionally using the pandan leaves to squeeze the sugar) until the sugar is dissolved; avoid creating too many air bubbles.
- 5
Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
- 6
Pour the custard mixture into the hollowed papayas, leaving about half an inch of space at the top as the custard will expand.
- 7
Place the papayas in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam on medium-low heat for 35 to 45 minutes until the custard is set.
- 8
Remove from heat and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into wedges to serve.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
285
14% of a 2,000 kcal day
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 34 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 26 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Goes well with this
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Massaman Malai Kofta
Fusion dish using Indian paneer balls in a mild, peanut-based Thai Massaman curry.

Red Curry Paneer and Peas
Spicy Thai red curry base with bamboo shoots, green peas, and seared paneer chunks.
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