Chawanmushi aka Chinese Steamed Eggs
Silky, savoury steamed egg custard that jiggles like set jelly - pure comfort from four eggs and a bowl of stock.
Serves: 2-4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
400ml stock (I used Massel vegetarian chicken flavoured stock)
2 spring onions, finely chopped
1-2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons light soy
Optional extras
1/2 cup finely chopped protein like ham, raw prawn meat or cooked chicken
coriander
grated ginger
chilli sauce
fried shallots
METHOD
Crucial equipment: a steamer that fits one of your pots, a bowl that fits in the steamer without touching the lid, and a plate that fits on top of the bowl but still under the lid! That last one can be subbed out for cling film, or if you plan on making this often, buy a cheap shower cap to hug over the bowl.
Bring the pot to the boil half full of water (it should touch the steamer if you're using a wok).
Whisk together the eggs and the stock, then skim the bubbles or pour through a sieve into the bowl you wish to use.
Carefully cover the bowl (the cover should not touch the eggs) and place into the steamer.
Place the steamer onto the pot with the lid on top and steam the whole thing over a gentle simmer (not a hard boil) for 20 minutes.
The eggs should resemble set jelly once done.
Remove the bowl carefully and uncover.
Slice a criss-cross into the eggs, then drizzle with the sesame oil and soy and sprinkle with spring onions.
Eat immediately. Be careful, they retain a lot of heat.
They are DELICIOUS with steamed rice and garlic fried greens also.
HINTS
The sieve step is what buys you that glass-smooth surface - don't skip it.
For a solo comfort dinner, the ratio is 1 egg to 100ml stock - scale up or down as the day demands.
I first attempted these after styling a story for delicious. using Sam Young's recipe - credit for this simplified version must go to him.
NUTRITION (per recipe total, serves 2-4 - guide only):
Energy: approximately 1750kJ (420 calories)
Protein: 27g
Fat: 30g
Saturated fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Sugars: 2g
Fibre: 1g
Sodium: 2100mg
Note: excludes optional extras.
This nutrition information is a guide only and may vary depending on brands, exact quantities, and ingredient substitutions used.