Crepe Suzette is a classic French dessert that combines delicate crepes with a rich, buttery orange sauce. This elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a touch of sophistication. The combination of the thin crepes and the vibrant citrus sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors that is sure to please any palate.
One ingredient you might not commonly have at home is Grand Marnier, an orange liqueur that adds a distinctive flavor to the sauce. If you don't have Grand Marnier, you can substitute it with another orange liqueur. Additionally, make sure to pick up a fresh orange for the juice and zest, as this will provide the essential citrus notes for the dish.
Ingredients For Crepe Suzette
All-purpose flour: The base ingredient for the crepe batter, providing structure and texture.
Eggs: Helps bind the batter together and adds richness.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
Water: Thins out the batter for a delicate crepe texture.
Butter: Adds flavor and helps prevent the crepes from sticking to the pan.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crepe batter.
Unsalted butter: Used in the sauce to create a rich, buttery base.
Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps create a caramelized flavor.
Orange: Provides fresh juice and zest for a vibrant citrus flavor in the sauce.
Grand Marnier: An orange liqueur that adds a distinctive, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making crepes, ensure the batter is smooth and lump-free by gradually adding the milk and water while continuously whisking. This will help achieve a thin, even consistency. Additionally, letting the batter rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in more tender crepes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the crepes a bit denser.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and mild flavor.
water - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water can make the crepes lighter and airier.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in cooking.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different mineral taste.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
orange, juiced and zested - Substitute with lemon, juiced and zested: Lemon provides a different citrus flavor that is more tart but still refreshing.
grand marnier or other orange liqueur - Substitute with orange juice concentrate: Orange juice concentrate provides a similar orange flavor without the alcohol.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the crepes to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Stack the cooled crepes with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each one. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the stacked crepes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Store the crepes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
- To freeze, lay the crepes flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer until they are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the crepes to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the crepes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour.
- Reheat the crepes in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for about 20 seconds, just until warm.
- For the orange sauce, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the orange sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain the sauce's consistency and flavor.
- If freezing the orange sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw the orange sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of butter to the skillet.
- Once the butter has melted, place the crepes in the skillet.
- Heat each side for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Pour the orange sauce over the crepes and heat for an additional minute.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the crepes in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.
- Warm the orange sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat and pour over the crepes before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Place the crepes on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Heat the orange sauce separately in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour the warmed orange sauce over the crepes before serving.
Steam Method:
- Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket.
- Bring water to a gentle boil.
- Place the crepes in the steaming basket, ensuring they do not touch the water.
- Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Warm the orange sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat and pour over the crepes before serving.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the flour, eggs, milk, water, salt, and melted butter into a smooth batter.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients together in the mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth and lump-free batter.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the crepes. It should be lightly oiled and heated over medium-high heat.
Spatula: A tool used to loosen and flip the crepes in the skillet, ensuring they cook evenly on both sides.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the flour, milk, water, and Grand Marnier accurately.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the salt and melted butter accurately.
Zester: A tool used to remove the zest from the orange, which will be added to the sauce.
Juicer: A tool used to extract juice from the orange, which will be added to the sauce.
Small saucepan: A pan used to melt the butter and sugar together, and to cook the orange juice and zest until the mixture thickens.
Long match: A safety tool used to ignite the Grand Marnier in the skillet, creating a flambé effect.
Serving plate: A plate used to serve the finished crepes once they are coated in the sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prepare the batter in advance: Mix the flour, eggs, milk, and water the night before. Store in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Use a non-stick skillet: This reduces the need for oiling the pan and makes flipping the crepes easier and faster.
Pre-measure ingredients: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking. This streamlines the process.
Make the sauce while cooking crepes: Prepare the orange sauce simultaneously to save time and ensure everything is hot and ready to serve.
Crepe Suzette
Ingredients
Crepe Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Suzette Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large orange, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and eggs. Gradually add in milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the batter onto the skillet, using approximately ¼ cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
- Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat. Add the orange juice and zest, and cook until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Add the Grand Marnier and carefully ignite with a long match. Let the flames subside. Add the crepes to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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