10 Delicious Pandan Recipes You Can Make at Home
Are you ready to explore the fragrant, tropical world of pandan? Known as the “vanilla of Asia,” pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius ) are a staple in Asian kitchens for their sweet, floral aroma and versatility. Whether you’re a home cook, food blogger, or culinary student, pandan is your secret weapon for creating unforgettable dishes.
In this article, we’ll share 10 easy and delicious pandan recipes that will inspire you to experiment with this magical ingredient. From savory dishes to decadent desserts, these recipes cater to all skill levels. Let’s dive in!
Why Pandan is a Must-Have in Your Kitchen
Pandan is more than just a leaf—it’s a flavor powerhouse. Its unique aroma adds a touch of elegance to both sweet and savory dishes. Widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, pandan is celebrated for its ability to enhance flavors naturally without overpowering them.
Whether you’re whipping up a comforting dessert or a flavorful main course, pandan can elevate your cooking to new heights. Plus, it’s easy to use! Fresh leaves, extracts, or pastes work wonders in any recipe.
Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to know about cooking with pandan.
What is Pandan and How to Use It?
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s break down what pandan is and how you can incorporate it into your cooking:
- What is Pandan?
Pandan is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Its long, green leaves are prized for their sweet, floral fragrance. - How to Use Pandan:
- Fresh Leaves: Tie them into knots or blend them into a paste for maximum flavor.
- Extracts or Pastes: Convenient alternatives when fresh leaves aren’t available.
- Infusions: Boil pandan leaves with water, coconut milk, or other liquids to infuse flavor.
- Where to Find Pandan:
Look for fresh pandan leaves at Asian grocery stores or online platforms like Vagaa.lk. You can even grow your own pandan plant at home—it’s low-maintenance and rewarding!
Now that you’re familiar with pandan, let’s explore 10 mouthwatering recipes you can make today.
10 Delicious Pandan Recipes You Can Make at Home
1. Pandan Coconut Rice
This fragrant rice dish is a simple yet impressive side for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 2 pandan leaves (tied into a knot)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice and soak it for 15 minutes.
- In a pot, combine rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or curries!
2. Pandan Pancakes (Kueh Dadar)
These soft, green pancakes are filled with sweet coconut and palm sugar—a favorite in Malaysia and Singapore.
Ingredients:
- For the pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pandan juice (blend and strain fresh leaves)
- Pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 cup palm sugar (gula melaka)
Instructions:
- Blend pandan leaves with water, strain, and set aside the juice.
- Mix flour, egg, pandan juice, and salt to form a smooth batter.
- Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter to make thin pancakes.
- Fill each pancake with grated coconut and palm sugar, then roll tightly.
Serve warm for a delightful breakfast or snack.
3. Pandan Chiffon Cake
A light, airy cake infused with pandan flavor—perfect for celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs (separated)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup pandan extract
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, mix egg yolks, oil, and pandan extract.
- Sift in flour and baking powder, then fold in the egg white mixture gently.
- Pour into a chiffon cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
Cool upside-down before slicing and serving.
4. Pandan Ice Cream
A creamy, refreshing dessert with a tropical twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp pandan extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Heat milk, sugar, and pandan extract in a saucepan until sugar dissolves.
- Chill the mixture, then whisk in heavy cream.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions.
- Freeze until firm and enjoy!
5. Pandan Sticky Rice Dessert (Pulut Tai Tai)
A Malaysian classic featuring blue pea flower and pandan-infused sticky rice.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 2 pandan leaves
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Blue pea flower extract (optional)
Coconut Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Soak rice overnight, then steam with pandan leaves until cooked.
- Divide the rice and mix one portion with blue pea flower extract for color.
- Prepare the coconut sauce by heating all ingredients until thickened.
- Layer the rice and serve with coconut sauce on top.
6. Pandan Chicken (Ayam Pandan)
Savory fried chicken wrapped in pandan leaves for added aroma.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken pieces
- 2 pandan leaves per piece
- Marinade: soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and pepper
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Wrap each piece in pandan leaves and secure with toothpicks.
- Deep fry until golden brown and crispy.
Perfect as appetizers or party snacks!
7. Pandan Tea or Herbal Drink
A soothing drink made by boiling pandan leaves with water and optional sweeteners.
Ingredients:
- 4 pandan leaves
- 4 cups water
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash and tie pandan leaves into a knot.
- Boil with water for 10 minutes.
- Strain and sweeten if desired.
Enjoy hot or chilled for relaxation.
8. Pandan Waffles
Crispy waffles with a fragrant pandan twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp pandan extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients to form a smooth batter.
- Cook in a waffle iron until golden brown.
- Serve with syrup, fruits, or whipped cream.
9. Pandan Pudding (Agar Agar)
A jelly-like dessert made with agar-agar and pandan extract.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet agar-agar powder
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp pandan extract
Instructions:
- Dissolve agar-agar in water and bring to a boil.
- Add sugar and pandan extract, stirring until dissolved.
- Pour into molds and chill until set.
10. Pandan Cookies
Butter cookies infused with pandan flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp pandan extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, then beat in egg and pandan extract.
- Gradually add flour to form a dough.
- Shape into small rounds and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Perfect for gifting or tea time!
Why Pandan is a Game-Changer in Asian Desserts
Pandan’s natural sweetness and floral notes make it a star ingredient in iconic Asian desserts. From cakes to puddings, it adds a layer of complexity that artificial flavorings simply can’t replicate.
Tips for Cooking with Pandan
- Always wash fresh pandan leaves thoroughly before use.
- Blend and strain leaves to extract maximum flavor.
- Store unused leaves in the freezer to extend shelf life.
Where to Buy Pandan Leaves or Extract
You can find fresh pandan leaves at local Asian markets or online platforms like Vagaa.lk. Alternatively, try growing your own—it’s easy and rewarding!
Unlock the Magic of Pandan in Your Kitchen
Pandan is truly a versatile ingredient that deserves a spot in every kitchen. With these 10 delicious recipes , you can explore its potential in both sweet and savory dishes.
Ready to give Pandan a try? Start small by incorporating it into your favorite dishes. For fresh Pandan or plants, contact us at Vagaa.lk—we’re here to help you embrace a healthier lifestyle!
