Chinese steamed eggs or water egg is a traditional Chinese dish[1] found all over China. Eggs are beaten to a consistency similar to that used for an omelette and then steamed. It is sometimes referred to as egg custard on menus.[1]
 Chinese steamed egg topped with broth and other ingredients | |
| Alternative names | Water egg |
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| Place of origin | China |
| Region or state | Chinese-speaking areas |
| Main ingredients | egg and water or chicken broth |
| Ingredients generally used | scallion, century egg, or dried shrimp |
| Variations | Chawanmushi, Gyeran jjim |
| Chinese steamed eggs | |||||||||||||||||
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| Chinese | 鸡蛋羹 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Alternative Chinese name | |||||||||||||||||
| Chinese | 蒸水蛋 | ||||||||||||||||
| Literal meaning | steam water egg | ||||||||||||||||
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| Second alternative Chinese name | |||||||||||||||||
| Chinese | 蒸蛋 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Third alternative Chinese name | |||||||||||||||||
| Chinese | 水蒸蛋 | ||||||||||||||||
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Preparation
editThe eggs are beaten and water added to create a more tender texture. A good ratio of water to eggs is 1.5:1. Sesame oil, soy sauce,[1] or chicken broth[2] may be used to add additional flavor.
Other solid ingredients (such as mushrooms, clams, or crab meat) may also be added to the mixture. The egg mixture is poured into a dish, which is then placed in a steamer and steamed until fully cooked. The eggs should be steamed until just firm, so that the texture of the eggs is still smooth and silky. A plate is usually placed on top of the bowl containing the egg mixture and left on while the egg is being steamed. Uncapped steamed eggs will have water on top of the finished dish due to the steam.[citation needed]
Using four eggs, the average cooking time is 10 minutes with water, 7 minutes with chicken broth. However, this is in addition to the time needed for pre-boiling water. [citation needed]
Other cooking methods
editThis same dish can be cooked in a microwave, or in a pressure cooker. Both methods take less time, although the end product may not be of the same quality.
Variations
editHomemade versions might include scallion, century egg, or dried shrimp. These additional ingredients are added to the egg mixture before steaming. It can also be enjoyed with soy sauce. The taste is usually savory (as opposed to a sweet custard).
See also
edit- Chawanmushi – A Japanese egg custard dish
- Gyeran jjim – Korean steamed eggs
- List of egg dishes
- List of steamed foods
References
edit- ^ a b c Imatome-Yun, N. (2015). The Essential Wok Cookbook: Stir-Fry, Dim Sum, and Other Chinese Restaurant Favorites. Callisto Media Incorporated. p. 39. ISBN 978-1-62315-606-0.
- ^ Bonnie 玻璃朱 (2015). Home Cook Signature Dishes. Feel Company Ltd. p. 216. ISBN 9789888276325.
External links
edit
- Chinese Steamed Egg. Chinasichuanfood.com.