Description of this recipe: This isn’t your average milkshake! Our Soy Sauce Caramel Milkshake takes the classic dessert to a whole new level with a surprising yet delightful combination of sweet caramel, salty soy sauce, and creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s an adventurous treat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Why you will love this recipe: This recipe is a fun and unexpected twist on a classic. The salty and savory notes of soy sauce beautifully complement the sweetness of the caramel, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying flavor profile. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a hot day, a fun party, or just when you’re craving something truly unique. Plus, the customizable nature of the recipe means you can adjust it to your preferences and dietary needs. It’s a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a guaranteed “wow” factor!
Introduction
Are you ready to shake up your dessert routine? Forget boring vanilla milkshakes – we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure with the Soy Sauce Caramel Milkshake. I know what you might be thinking: “Soy sauce in a milkshake? Is that even possible?” Trust me, it is, and it’s absolutely divine.
This recipe is inspired by the growing trend of incorporating umami, the savory fifth taste, into sweet treats. The secret ingredient, Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce, doesn’t just add saltiness; it adds depth, complexity, and a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates the caramel to a whole new dimension.
The creamy vanilla ice cream provides the perfect canvas for the salty-sweet caramel, while the milk ensures a smooth and sippable texture. And the Maltesers? They add a touch of malty goodness and a satisfying crunch that ties everything together. This milkshake is a symphony of flavors and textures, a delightful surprise that will awaken your senses. So grab your blender, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a milkshake experience unlike any other!
Ingredients:
- ¼ tsp oil (vegetable, canola, or any neutral oil)
- 100g caster sugar (also known as superfine sugar)
- 1 tbsp Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream (use non-dairy ice cream if you like)
- 250ml chilled milk (we used semi-skimmed. Use unsweetened almond milk if you like)
- 3 Maltesers, roughly crushed
- Whipped cream, to serve (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Glasses:
Before you even think about making the caramel, preparation is key! Lightly coat a non-stick liner (parchment paper or a silicone baking mat works perfectly) with the oil. This will prevent the caramel from sticking and make it easier to remove later. Place the prepared liner on a sturdy wooden chopping board – you’ll want a stable surface for the hot caramel. Then, set out two milkshake glasses, ready to receive their delicious contents.
Step 2: Craft the Soy Sauce Caramel:
This is where the magic happens! In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, add the caster sugar. Watch carefully as the sugar begins to melt. Swirl the pan gently (don’t stir with a spoon, as this can cause crystallization) to ensure the sugar melts evenly and doesn’t burn. As the sugar melts, it will transform from a crystalline white to a golden amber liquid. Continue heating until it reaches a deep gold color, indicating that it’s caramelized. This process requires patience and close attention.
Once the sugar is a deep gold, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the caramel to cool for a couple of minutes – this is crucial, as adding the soy sauce to extremely hot caramel can cause it to splatter violently. Now, for the daring part: very carefully add the Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce to the caramel. Be prepared for some sizzling and potential foaming! Don’t panic; just keep stirring with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and thick. The soy sauce will transform the color of the caramel to a richer, deeper brown, and the aroma will be intoxicating.
Step 3: Decorate the Glasses:
Working quickly is essential at this stage, as the caramel will start to set as it cools. Using a mini spatula or a silicone brush, spread some of the warm caramel down the inside of each milkshake glass in stripes. Get creative with your designs – swirls, zigzags, or even just random streaks will look fantastic. The caramel will cling to the cold glass and harden as it cools, creating a beautiful and delicious lining. Once you’ve decorated the glasses, set them aside to allow the caramel to set completely.
Step 4: Create the Caramel Shards:
Pour the remaining soy sauce caramel onto the prepared non-stick liner in stripes. Don’t worry if the stripes aren’t perfectly even – the rustic, irregular shapes will add to the charm of the finished milkshake. Allow the caramel to cool completely until it’s firm and brittle. Once set, carefully break the caramel into shards. This is best done by gently flexing the liner or using your hands to snap the caramel into desired sizes.
Step 5: Blend the Milkshake:
Now for the milkshake itself! Snap a few of the caramel shards into smaller pieces and drop them into the base of each decorated glass. This will add a burst of caramel flavor and a delightful crunch to the first few sips. In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream and chilled milk. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker milkshake, use less milk; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more milk.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish:
Pour the blended milkshake into the prepared glasses, filling them almost to the top. Sprinkle the crushed Maltesers over the top of each milkshake. These add a malty flavor and a satisfying textural contrast. If desired, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence. Finally, break off pieces of the remaining soy sauce caramel shards and use them to decorate the top of the milkshakes. Arrange them artfully for a visually stunning presentation.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the milkshakes immediately. The caramel will soften and melt over time, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh. Grab a spoon and dig in! Savor the combination of creamy ice cream, salty-sweet caramel, crunchy Maltesers, and the delightful surprise of soy sauce. This milkshake is a sensory experience that you won’t soon forget.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a decadent dessert after a meal.
- Enjoy as a refreshing treat on a hot day.
- Serve at parties or gatherings as a unique and memorable dessert option.
- Pair with salty snacks like pretzels or potato chips for an extra layer of flavor contrast.
Tips:
- Use high-quality soy sauce: The flavor of the soy sauce will directly impact the final result, so opt for a premium brand like Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the caramel: Overcooked caramel can become bitter and burnt. Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a deep gold color.
- Work quickly with the caramel: Caramel sets quickly, so have your glasses and non-stick liner prepared before you start cooking the sugar.
- Customize the flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of ice cream, such as chocolate, coffee, or even salted caramel.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet milkshake, reduce the amount of sugar in the caramel.
- For a vegan option: Use non-dairy ice cream and unsweetened almond milk. Check the ingredients of the soy sauce to ensure it’s vegan-friendly. Many brands are, but it’s always wise to double-check.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 450-550 (depending on ice cream and milk type)
Protein: 8-12g
Sodium: 300-400mg (varies depending on soy sauce brand)
Conclusion
The Soy Sauce Caramel Milkshake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the power of unexpected flavor combinations and a reminder that sometimes the most delicious things in life are the ones that surprise us. This recipe is a fun and easy way to impress your friends, tantalize your taste buds, and add a touch of adventure to your everyday life. So go ahead, give it a try! You might just discover your new favorite milkshake.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: I’m hesitant to use soy sauce in a sweet recipe. What does it actually taste like?
A: I completely understand your hesitation! The soy sauce doesn’t make the milkshake taste overtly “salty” or “soy sauce-y.” Instead, it acts as an umami enhancer, adding depth and complexity to the caramel. It balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors, creating a much more nuanced and interesting caramel. It’s similar to how a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of chocolate. Don’t be afraid – it’s a surprisingly delightful combination!
Q2: Can I use a different type of soy sauce?
A: While you could use a different type of soy sauce, I highly recommend sticking with a light soy sauce like Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce. Dark soy sauce is much stronger and has a more intense flavor, which could overpower the other ingredients and make the caramel too salty. A light soy sauce provides a subtle savory note without being too assertive.
Q3: What if I don’t have caster sugar? Can I use regular granulated sugar?
A: Caster sugar (superfine sugar) is ideal because it dissolves more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother caramel. However, if you don’t have it on hand, you can use regular granulated sugar. Just be sure to stir the sugar constantly while it melts to prevent it from burning. You might also consider pulsing the granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds to make it slightly finer.
Q4: My caramel hardened too quickly and I couldn’t spread it on the glasses. What did I do wrong?
A: Caramel hardens very quickly, especially when it comes into contact with cold surfaces like glass. This could be due to a few factors: the caramel may have been slightly overcooked, or the glasses may have been too cold. Try using slightly warmer glasses and working very quickly after adding the soy sauce. If the caramel hardens too much, you can gently reheat the saucepan over low heat for a few seconds to soften it again. Just be careful not to overheat it.
Q5: Can I make the caramel shards ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! The caramel shards can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This is a great way to save time and prepare for a party or gathering. Just be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place, as humidity can make them sticky.
