Steaming Eggs: The Perfect Technique For Fluffy Yolks

Chinese steamed eggs are a versatile, comforting dish that can be served for breakfast, dinner, or when you're feeling under the weather. With a silky, custard-like texture, they are a perfect canvas for toppings of your choice. The simple cooking method involves beating eggs and adding water or stock, before steaming the mixture in a heatproof dish. The result is a delicate, soft, and healthy meal that can be adapted to your taste.

The ideal egg-to-water ratio

The perfect egg-to-water ratio for steamed eggs is around 1:2 in volume. This means that for every medium-sized egg (approximately 50ml), you will need to add 100ml of water. This ratio is important to achieve the desired smooth and silky texture. Too much egg will result in a hard curd, while too much water will prevent the mixture from solidifying.

To measure the ratio accurately, you can use a kitchen scale or a liquid measuring cup. Weigh the eggs first, and then add water at double that weight. Alternatively, if you don't have access to a scale or measuring cup, you can use the egg shell halves as a measuring tool. For each egg, you will need four egg shell halves filled with liquid.

It is worth noting that the size of the eggs can vary, so using a kitchen scale is the most precise method to ensure consistent results. However, as a general guide, if you are using three standard large eggs, you can use 1 and 1/4 cups of liquid instead of measuring by scale.

Additionally, warm water or chicken broth is recommended for steamed eggs. This helps to bring the eggs to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking and a smoother texture. To achieve the ideal temperature, mix equal parts boiling water and tap water, aiming for around 45°C (113°F).

Using a steamer

To cook eggs using a steamer, you will need a few tools, including a bamboo steamer, a metal trivet that can hold a plate flat, a large pan with a lid that can fit the steamer, a kitchen scale or liquid measuring cup, a sieve or strainer, and a wide plate with sides to steam the egg in.

First, prepare your steamer setup by adding water to the bottom of the steamer and turning the heat to medium-high. Once the water is simmering, your steamer is ready.

While the steamer is heating up, prepare your eggs. For every egg, you will need twice the volume of warm water or chicken stock. Beat the eggs and then add the water or stock, whisking until everything is thoroughly combined. You can also add a little salt to the mixture.

Next, strain the egg mixture through a sieve or strainer to remove any lumps or bubbles. This step is important for achieving a smooth and silky texture. Pour the strained mixture into a heat-safe bowl or ramekin, and place it in the center of your steamer setup.

Cover the eggs with an upside-down plate or plastic wrap, making sure to create a steam vent if using plastic wrap. Place the lid on the steamer and steam the eggs for 8-10 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat but keep the lid on, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs for an additional 3-5 minutes.

To check if your eggs are cooked, lightly tap the side of the dish. The eggs should be set but slightly jiggly in the middle. If they still appear watery, steam for a few more minutes.

Once your eggs are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and serve. You can garnish with toppings such as sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions, or white pepper. Enjoy!

Straining the mixture

Firstly, prepare your steamer setup by adding water to the bottom and turning the heat to medium-high. You want the water to be simmering before you start straining the egg mixture. You can use a bamboo steamer, a metal trivet that can hold a plate, or a large pan with a lid as your steamer setup.

Next, prepare the egg mixture by whisking together the eggs and warm water or warm chicken broth/stock. The ideal ratio of egg to water/broth is around 1:2 in volume. For example, if you are using two beaten eggs, add 100ml of water or broth. You can also season the mixture with a little salt at this stage.

Now it's time to strain the mixture. Place a fine-mesh sieve or strainer over your steamer bowl or plate. Carefully pour the egg mixture through the sieve into the bowl or plate. This step helps to remove any lumps, foam, and bubbles from the mixture, ensuring a smooth and silky texture.

After pouring the mixture, use a spoon to remove any remaining foam and bubbles from the surface. You can also use a paper towel to gently drag across the surface of the egg mixture to remove the bubbles. This will ensure that your steamed eggs have a smooth and glassy surface.

Finally, cover the bowl or plate with plastic wrap or an upside-down plate. This will prevent condensation from dripping onto the egg surface during steaming. Make sure to pierce a few holes in the plastic wrap to allow steam to escape.

Now your egg mixture is ready for steaming! Place the bowl or plate in the steamer, cover, and follow the steaming instructions provided in your chosen recipe.

By following these steps for straining the mixture, you will achieve the perfect texture for your steamed eggs, ensuring they turn out smooth, silky, and delicious every time.

Avoiding dripping water

To avoid dripping water when steaming eggs, you must prevent condensation from dripping onto the eggs. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Use a Traditional Bamboo Steamer:

If you have a traditional bamboo steamer, use it! Bamboo steamers allow steam to escape from the lid, reducing the risk of condensation buildup. This design helps prevent water droplets from forming and dripping onto your eggs.

Cover with Cling Film:

If you're not using a bamboo steamer, consider covering your steaming bowls with cling film. Pierce the cling film a couple of times to allow steam to escape. This creates a barrier that catches any condensation that forms on the lid, preventing it from dripping onto your eggs.

Use an Upside-Down Plate:

Instead of cling film, you can also use an upside-down plate to cover your steaming bowl. This eco-friendly option serves the same purpose as the cling film, catching condensation and preventing it from reaching your eggs.

Maintain the Right Water Level:

When steaming eggs in a pot, ensure that the water level is correct. It should be low enough so that the water doesn't splash into the egg bowl, but high enough to provide sufficient steam for the required cooking time.

Choose the Right Tools:

Select a pot that is large enough to accommodate the number of eggs you plan to cook. A deeper pot is generally better, as shallow pans may not provide enough space for your steamer basket or eggs. Additionally, a heavy-bottomed pot will help distribute heat more evenly.

By following these tips, you can effectively avoid dripping water when steaming eggs, ensuring that your eggs turn out smooth and silky with a consistent texture.

Seasoning

A simple mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil is a classic way to season steamed eggs. You can also add a little sugar to this mixture. Simply whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved. Drizzle this over the eggs and garnish with green onion.

If you want to add a little extra flavour, you can also drizzle the egg with light soy sauce or sprinkle with sesame seeds. Other popular toppings include scallions, chilli oil, and white pepper.

If you want to make a more substantial meal, you can add seafood, meat, or shiitake mushrooms to your steamed eggs.

Frequently asked questions