Steamed eggs are a staple in Chinese cuisine, offering a silky, custard-like texture that’s both comforting and satisfying. This simple recipe brings the tradition to your kitchen with a modern twist—using the microwave for quick and easy preparation. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner, these eggs are a delightful blend of ease and flavor that you can whip up in minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Crack three eggs into a measuring cup and take note of the volume, which should be approximately 2/3 cup.
- Transfer the eggs to a large bowl, season with salt, and beat them thoroughly for at least one minute.
- Measure out water equal to the volume of the eggs and add it to the bowl, followed by an equal volume of chicken or vegetable stock. Stir in the sesame oil and mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Strain the egg mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a shallow, heatproof dish to remove bubbles and ensure a smooth texture.
- Prepare your steamer setup with boiling water, ensuring the water level doesn’t touch the egg dish, and bring the water to a rapid simmer.
- Place the dish of egg mixture into the steamer, cover, and steam over medium-high to high heat for three minutes.
- After the initial steaming, turn off the heat but keep the steamer covered for an additional 14 minutes to allow the eggs to set.
- Remove the dish from the steamer, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve the silky steamed eggs. Optionally, drizzle with a bit of light soy sauce for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- Water (equal volume to the eggs)
- Vegetable or chicken broth (equal volume to the eggs)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Chopped scallions
Nutritional Values
Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 492mg | Sodium: 956mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 840IU | Vitamin C: 2.4mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2.8mg
FAQ
- What are Chinese steamed eggs and why are they popular?
- Chinese steamed eggs, also known as “waat dan” in Cantonese, are a silky, custard-like dish that is both comforting and versatile. They are popular for their simplicity and adaptability, making them suitable for any meal or occasion.
- What ingredients are needed to make Chinese steamed eggs?
- You’ll need eggs, water, vegetable or chicken stock, salt, sesame oil, and chopped scallions. The water and stock should be measured to the same volume as the eggs.
- How do I set up a steamer if I don’t have special equipment?
- You can use a wok or any deep pot with a lid and a steaming rack or even an empty metal can as a makeshift rack. The key is to ensure the container is covered and that steam can circulate around the dish to cook the eggs evenly.
- Can I personalize the steamed egg recipe?
- Yes, the steamed egg recipe is quite flexible. You can add ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, clams, crab, chicken, or vegetables to suit your taste. It’s a great base to get creative with your favorite flavors.
- How do I ensure a smooth texture for my steamed eggs?
- To achieve a smooth and glassy texture, pour your egg mixture through a fine mesh strainer before steaming. This helps prevent bubbles from forming, resulting in a silky finish similar to Hong Kong egg tarts.
- Can steamed eggs be made in individual portions?
- Absolutely. You can divide the egg mixture into ramekins for individual servings. This recipe yields enough for four ramekins, making it perfect for personalized portions.
Tips
- Enhance Flavor with Stock: Instead of just using water, consider adding chicken or vegetable stock to the egg mixture for a richer flavor profile and added nutrients.
- Ensure Smooth Texture: Pour the egg mixture through a fine mesh strainer before steaming to prevent bubbles and achieve a silky, custard-like texture.
- Customize Your Dish: Use this recipe as a base and customize with various add-ins like mushrooms, seafood, or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect Steaming Setup: If you don’t have a traditional steamer, any deep pot with a lid and a makeshift rack (like an empty tuna can) can be used to create an effective steaming environment.
Equipment
- Fine mesh strainer
- Bamboo steamer
- Metal steamer
- Steaming rack
