Steamy Chinese-Style Eggs: A Simple, Quick Delight

Chinese steamed eggs are a traditional, comforting, and healthy dish that is easy to make and only requires a few common ingredients. The basic recipe calls for a mixture of eggs and water, which is then steamed to create a soft, silky, and smooth egg custard. This dish is often served as a side or shared as a simple yet impressive main course. With the right techniques and attention to detail, you can achieve the perfect texture and taste for this Chinese steamed egg recipe.

The ideal egg-to-water ratio

Too much egg in the mixture will result in a hard curd, while too much water will prevent the mixture from solidifying. The volume of water can also be adjusted to control the cooking time. For example, if you are cooking multiple eggs in a single bowl, increasing the volume of water will lengthen the cooking time.

When measuring out the water, it is important to use warm water, preferably at a temperature of around 45°C (113°F). Warm water helps the beaten egg and water combine smoothly. This can be achieved by mixing equal parts of boiling water and tap water.

Water temperature

The ideal water temperature for Chinese steamed eggs is around 45°C (113°F). This temperature ensures that the eggs and water blend smoothly and sets the custard without overcooking it. To achieve this temperature without a thermometer, you can mix equal parts of boiling water and tap water. This mixture will give you water at the perfect temperature for steaming eggs.

It is important to note that using raw water can affect the texture of your steamed eggs. Raw water contains impurities that can cause small bubbles in the custard. These bubbles are different from the honeycomb texture that results from high heat. They will not be visible on the surface but will create small holes inside the steamed egg. Therefore, it is best to use boiled or filtered water to avoid this issue.

Avoiding lumps and bubbles

To avoid lumps and bubbles in your Chinese steamed eggs, there are a few tricks you can use. Firstly, when mixing the eggs and water, be sure to lightly beat the eggs to avoid too much air getting into the mixture. You can also use a sieve to filter the mixture when pouring it into your steaming bowl. This will help to remove any lumps or bubbles before cooking. When steaming, always use low heat. High heat will cause a coarse, honeycomb-like texture. You should also cover the egg mixture while steaming, either with cling film or a plate, to prevent condensation from dripping onto the surface of the eggs, which can cause unevenness. Finally, be careful not to overmix the eggs and water, as this can also create bubbles. Gently mix until just combined for the smoothest results.

Seasoning

For a simple dish, you can just use these three ingredients—light soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt—to season your Chinese-style steamed eggs. However, if you want to get more creative, there are several other options to explore. For example, you can add chicken bouillon powder to intensify the flavour and take it to the next level. Fish sauce is another option that adds a subtle umami essence that salt alone cannot achieve.

If you want to make it a heartier dish, you can add some ground pork or seafood like shrimp or clams. You can also include tofu, vegetables, or mushrooms for extra flavour and texture. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken bouillon powder and replace the fish sauce with salt.

When it comes to garnishes, chopped scallions or spring onions add a nice touch of colour and freshness to the dish. You can also get creative with other toppings like prawns, asparagus, or carrots. Just remember, when it comes to seasoning Chinese-style steamed eggs, less is more!

Garnishes and toppings

Chinese steamed eggs are a simple and delicious dish, but the right garnish and toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas for garnishes and toppings to elevate your steamed eggs:

Spring onions/scallions

Finely chopped spring onions or scallions are a popular choice for garnishing Chinese steamed eggs. They add a fresh flavour and a pop of colour to the dish. You can sprinkle them on top of the steamed eggs just before serving.

Soy sauce and sesame oil

For extra flavour, you can drizzle light soy sauce and sesame oil over the steamed eggs. This combination adds a savory and fresh taste to the dish. You can also add a hint of sugar to the sauce if you find it too salty.

Fried garlic

Golden brown, fried garlic is another tasty topping option. The crispness and mild spiciness of fried garlic go well with the soft and silky texture of the steamed eggs.

Prawns and vegetables

If you want to make your dish more substantial, you can add prawns and vegetables as toppings. Steam your eggs for 7 minutes, then place the prawns and vegetables on top and steam for an additional 3 minutes. Asparagus and carrots are great vegetable options, but you can get creative and use your favourites.

Meat sauce

For a heartier meal, you can add a meat sauce as a topping. Steamed egg with ground meat sauce is a popular choice for families with children. To make the meat sauce, heat oil in a wok and fry some ginger until aromatic. Then, add minced pork and fry until golden brown. Add pepper, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce to the wok. Finally, pour in a mixture of cornstarch and water and simmer until the sauce thickens. Spread the meat sauce over your steamed eggs, and you're ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions