caramelized Recipes
12 delicious caramelized recipes from around the world
Canelé
Bordeaux fluted cakes - rum and vanilla custard cakes with a deeply caramelized, crisp crust and a tender, custardy interior. A signature sweet from the Bordeaux region.
Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana, meaning 'Catalan cream,' is a traditional Spanish dessert that predates its French counterpart, crème brûlée. It features a rich, citrus and cinnamon-infused custard base topped with a brittle, caramelized sugar crust.
Kouign-Amann
A traditional Breton pastry, Kouign-Amann (pronounced 'queen a-mahn') is a rich, laminated dough made with generous amounts of butter and sugar. The baking process creates distinct, caramelized layers, resulting in a dangerously addictive treat that is both flaky and chewy, with a deep buttery flavor and a crisp, caramelized crust.
Tarte Tatin
The iconic French upside-down apple tart, featuring tender, caramelized apples nestled under a crisp, buttery puff pastry. A delightful dessert born from a happy accident.
Cá Kho Tộ (Vietnamese Caramelized Fish)
A classic Vietnamese comfort food from the Mekong Delta, this dish features tender catfish steaks braised in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet caramelized sauce, traditionally cooked in a clay pot. The deep umami flavor is balanced by the aromatic shallots, garlic, and a hint of spice from chilies.
Pad See Ew
A classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish featuring wide rice noodles coated in a savory, slightly sweet, and caramelized dark soy sauce, with your choice of protein, crisp Chinese broccoli, and scrambled egg. The key is achieving a slight char on the noodles for authentic flavor.
Thịt Kho Tàu (Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly and Eggs)
A classic Vietnamese comfort dish, Thịt Kho Tàu features tender pork belly and hard-boiled eggs braised in a rich, savory-sweet coconut caramel sauce. Traditionally enjoyed during Tết (Lunar New Year) and other celebrations, this dish is deeply satisfying and even better the next day.
Thịt Kho Trứng (Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly with Eggs)
A quintessential Vietnamese comfort food, Thịt Kho Trứng features tender pork belly and hard-boiled eggs braised in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet coconut caramel sauce. It's a staple during Tet (Lunar New Year) and a beloved dish year-round.
Asado Negro
Venezuelan Asado Negro is a classic comfort food dish featuring a beef roast slow-cooked in a rich, dark caramel sauce made from papelón (unrefined cane sugar). The result is incredibly tender beef with a deep, mahogany hue and a complex sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. It's traditionally served with white rice.
Chongos Zamoranos
Chongos Zamoranos are a traditional Mexican dessert from Michoacán, featuring sweet, curdled milk bathed in a rich cinnamon syrup. This beloved dessert has a unique, tender texture and a beautiful caramelized hue.
Maduros (Sweet Fried Plantains)
Maduros are a beloved Cuban side dish made from ripe plantains fried until they are deeply caramelized, sweet, and tender. They offer a delightful contrast to savory dishes.
Plátano Maduro Frito (Fried Ripe Plantain)
A beloved Colombian side dish, plátano maduro frito features ripe plantains fried until tender, sweet, and beautifully caramelized. The natural sugars in the plantain create a delightful sweet and slightly savory flavor profile that complements many main courses.