Steaming Savory: Pork And Egg Delicacy

Steamed egg with pork is a quick, easy, and comforting dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It is a popular meal in Chinese and Taiwanese homes, with each family having its own way of preparing it. The dish consists of a silky and tender egg curd topped with crispy minced pork in a savoury gravy. It can be served as a breakfast, light lunch, midnight snack, or as part of a multi-course meal.

Preparing the steamer

Firstly, ensure you have a steamer that is suitable for the type of pot or pan you will be using. Common options include a steamer basket, rack, or bamboo steamer. If you don't have a steamer, you can create one by placing a heat-proof shallow bowl in a pot with a lid. It is important that the bowl is elevated above the water level to prevent the water from bubbling up and touching the bowl during the steaming process.

Once you have set up your steamer, the next step is to prepare the water. Fill the pot or steamer base with enough water to reach just below the steaming platform. For most recipes, you will need around 2 inches (5 cm) of water. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil.

While the water is heating up, you can prepare your egg mixture and pork marinade. Most recipes recommend marinating the pork for about 15-20 minutes, which is a great use of time while you wait for the water to boil.

Once the water is boiling, it's time to assemble your dish for steaming. Place your heat-proof bowl containing the egg mixture onto the steaming platform or rack. If using a bamboo steamer, ensure the bowl fits snugly within the steamer compartment.

Before placing the lid on the pot, it is recommended to wrap the lid with a cloth or a dry kitchen towel. This prevents condensation from dripping back onto the eggs during the steaming process. You can also use plastic wrap over the plate before placing the lid on top.

With the lid securely in place, you can now begin steaming your egg and pork dish. Most recipes recommend steaming over high heat for 1 minute and then reducing the heat to low for the remaining time. The total steaming time will vary depending on the recipe and the type of bowl used. For example, a flat and shallow bowl will cook faster than a tall and thick bowl.

To check if your steamed egg with pork is cooked, gently shake the bowl. The eggs should have a wobble like loose jello, and there should be no watery liquid remaining. If the eggs are not fully set, continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Marinating the pork

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need ground pork, preferably with a fat percentage of around 20%. This will ensure a smooth and flavourful dish. In addition, you will need seasonings and liquids to add flavour to the pork. Common ingredients include soy sauce, Shaoxing wine or rice cooking wine, garlic, ginger, white pepper powder, Chinese five spice, salt, sugar, and corn starch. You can also add minced scallions for a touch of freshness.

Next, in a shallow bowl, combine the ground pork with your desired seasonings and liquids. Mix thoroughly until the pork is evenly coated. Make sure to stir until the meat has absorbed any standing liquid. This step ensures that the pork fully absorbs the flavours of the marinade.

For optimal flavour, let the pork marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This will give the pork enough time to absorb the flavours and tenderize the meat. You can use this time to prepare the other components of your dish, such as the egg mixture.

Feel free to adjust the marinade ingredients to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as chicken or beef, if you prefer.

Once the pork has finished marinating, you can proceed to the next steps of your steamed egg and pork recipe. Remember to follow food safety guidelines and keep the marinated pork refrigerated until you are ready to cook it.

Making the egg mixture

To make the egg mixture, start by cracking 3 eggs into a liquid measuring cup and noting the volume. Next, pour the eggs into a large bowl, add a pinch of salt, and beat for at least 1 minute. It is important not to incorporate too much air when whisking the eggs, as this will affect the texture of the final dish.

Now it's time to add the liquids. Measure out the same volume of water and stock as you have eggs, and add these to the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and whisk the mixture together, making sure everything is well combined. Finally, use a fine mesh strainer or a sieve to skim any foam from the top of the mixture and discard it. This will ensure that your steamed eggs have a very smooth texture.

Cooking the pork

Now it's time to cook the pork. If you're using a wok, heat it over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add a tablespoon of vegetable or peanut oil. If you're not using a wok, a medium-sized skillet will do.

Add the green onion to the wok or skillet and stir a few times to release its fragrance. Then, add the pork. Stir and cut the pork into smaller pieces until the surface is cooked, which should take around 2-3 minutes. You want the pork to be crispy, so avoid stirring too much to give it a chance to brown and crisp.

Next, you'll make a sauce to pour over the pork. In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and sugar. Stir to mix well. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water and stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Pour the sauce into the wok or skillet and stir to combine. Then, pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.

Plating the dish

Once the eggs are cooked, top them with the pork and sauce and garnish with reserved green onions. Serve hot, often with warm rice.

Serving suggestions

Steamed egg with pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a standalone dish: This comforting dish can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or snack. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a midnight snack. The silky egg and savoury pork are a tasty combination that doesn't need any sides.
• With rice: For a more filling meal, serve the steamed egg with pork alongside a bowl of warm rice. This is a typical way to enjoy this dish, and it's sure to be a satisfying and delicious option.
• As part of a multi-course meal: This steamed egg dish is also great as part of a larger meal. It can be served alongside other dishes such as vegetables and a main course. The soft and silky eggs provide a nice contrast to other textures and flavours.
• With congee: For a comforting and nourishing meal, serve the steamed egg with pork alongside plain congee. This is especially nice when you're feeling under the weather, as the congee is easy to eat and the egg provides some extra protein.
• With vegetables: You can also serve the steamed egg with pork alongside some steamed or stir-fried vegetables. This could include Chinese greens such as bok choy or broccoli, or whatever vegetables you have on hand.
• With a sauce: While the dish is tasty on its own, you could also serve it with a dipping sauce or additional gravy on the side. A simple soy sauce or oyster sauce would pair well with the pork and eggs.

Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! This dish is versatile and can be adapted to your preferences and what you have available. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favourite ways to serve steamed egg with pork.

Frequently asked questions