Chinese Egg Tart Vs Portuguese Egg Tart

Egg tarts are a popular pastry in many parts of the world, and two of the most well-known versions are Chinese egg tarts and Portuguese egg tarts. Both are made from egg custard, but the similarities end there. Chinese egg tarts are made with a shortcrust pastry base and a silky smooth egg custard, while Portuguese egg tarts have a more traditional puff pastry base and a creamy egg custard center. Both variations are delicious, and it can be hard to choose between them. To make the decision easier, here’s a look at the differences between Chinese egg tarts and Portuguese egg tarts.

Chinese Egg Tart

Chinese egg tarts are small pastries made with a shortcrust pastry base and a silky smooth egg custard filling. The custard filling is made using eggs, sugar, and evaporated or condensed milk, and the tart is usually finished with a sprinkle of sugar. Chinese egg tarts can be found in many Chinese bakeries and dessert shops, and are also a popular street food.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 tablespoons cold water
2 large eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cold water and mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 12 circles using a 3-inch biscuit cutter. Place the circles in the greased muffin tin and press the dough up the sides of each cup.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and evaporated milk. Pour the mixture into the pastry cups.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cool the tarts in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition:

Each Chinese egg tart contains approximately 145 calories, 7.5g of fat, 17.5g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.

Portuguese Egg Tart

Portuguese egg tarts, also known as pastel de nata, are small pastries made with a puff pastry base and a creamy egg custard center. The custard is made using eggs, sugar, and a mix of milk and cream, and the tart is usually finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar. Portuguese egg tarts are a popular dessert in Portugal and Macau, and can also be found in many bakeries and cafes around the world.

Ingredients:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 12 circles using a 3-inch biscuit cutter. Place the circles in the greased muffin tin and press the dough up the sides of each cup.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture into the pastry cups.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cool the tarts in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition:

Each Portuguese egg tart contains approximately 174 calories, 10.5g of fat, 17.5g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein.

When it comes to choosing between Chinese egg tarts and Portuguese egg tarts, it really comes down to personal preference. Both versions are delicious, and it’s hard to go wrong with either one.