Kanom Krok is a beloved Thai street food known for its crispy outer shell and soft, creamy coconut filling. These bite-sized coconut pancakes are made using a special cast-iron pan, creating a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Traditionally served with toppings like green onions, corn, or taro, Kanom Krok is a delicious and indulgent snack that has become a staple in Thailand’s bustling markets.
Origin and Inspiration
Kanom Krok has its roots in Thai culinary history, often enjoyed as a breakfast snack or sweet treat throughout the day. Found in food stalls across Thailand, especially in places like Yaowarat Road (Bangkok’s Chinatown), this popular street food is served hot off the pan for around 20-40 baht ($1-2) per serving. The combination of coconut milk, rice flour, and sugar creates a creamy, mildly sweet treat with a distinct coconut flavor.
With our version, we offer a keto-friendly alternative that keeps all the rich coconut goodness, but with fewer carbs, allowing you to enjoy Kanom Krok while sticking to your ketogenic lifestyle.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
Traditional Version
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g
Keto Version
Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g
Ingredients (2 Servings)
Traditional Version:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup glutinous rice flour (Can be replaced by corn starch or tapioca)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Keto Version:
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
- Traditional Version: In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, water, and salt until smooth.
- Keto Version: Mix coconut flour, almond flour, unsweetened coconut milk, erythritol, water, and salt in a bowl. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a Kanom Krok pan (or any cast-iron aebleskiver pan) over medium heat. Lightly grease each well with coconut oil.
- Cook the Kanom Krok:
- Traditional & Keto Versions: Pour the batter into each well, filling about 3/4 full. Cover the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is firm but still soft.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle your favorite toppings over the half-cooked Kanom Krok. For a savory twist, try adding chopped green onions or corn kernels. For a sweeter version, add shredded coconut or a drizzle of coconut cream.
- Serve Hot: Remove the Kanom Krok from the pan once cooked and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These are
What Does It Pair Well With?
• Thai Tea: Pair Kanom Krok with a glass of refreshing Thai iced tea, whether traditional or a keto-friendly version using coconut milk and monk fruit sweetener.
• Fresh Fruits: Enjoy with fresh low-carb fruits like berries for a light, refreshing contrast.
• Savory Toppings: You can create a balance of sweet and savory by adding toppings like green onions or corn kernels to the Kanom Krok.
• Keto Coconut Pancakes: For a fun fusion, serve Kanom Krok alongside keto coconut pancakes for a Thai-style dessert platter.
What is the Shelf Life?
Kanom Krok is best eaten fresh off the pan when the texture is perfect—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. However, you can store leftover Kanom Krok in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispness.
• Oven: If you don’t have a traditional Kanom Krok pan, you can use a mini muffin tray. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), pour the batter into the tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are crispy.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into silicone molds and air fry for 5-7 minutes, checking for doneness.
• Stove-Top Pan: If you don’t have a specialized Kanom Krok pan, use a non-stick frying pan, cooking the batter like small pancakes. They won’t have the exact shape but will still taste great!
Conclusion: Traditional and Keto Kanom Krok
Whether you choose the traditional or keto version, Kanom Krok is a delightful treat that brings the taste of Thailand into your kitchen. With its blend of creamy coconut and crispy texture, this Thai dessert offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that both kids and adults love. Plus, with the keto version, you can enjoy this street food classic without worrying about your carb intake.
