For many of us, the thought of eating eggs that have been fermenting for months or even years can be a bit off-putting. But for those who have tried century eggs, also known as pidan or preserved duck eggs, it’s an acquired taste that’s well worth exploring. With their creamy yolks and savory whites, century eggs are the perfect addition to many dishes, from soups and salads to stir-fries and porridges.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 unique recipes that showcase the versatility of century eggs. From traditional Chinese dishes like congee and dumplings, to modern twists like sushi rolls and spring rolls, these recipes are sure to inspire you to try something new. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for some culinary adventure, get ready to crack open the world of century eggs!
Century Egg and Pork Congee
This hearty congee recipe combines the rich flavors of century egg with tender pork, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 century egg, sliced
– 2 cups pork bones (or 1 pound pork belly)
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup rice porridge (congee)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the pork bones and place them in a large pot or wok.
2. Add the sliced century egg, water, vegetable oil, onion, and garlic to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the pork bones from the pot and let them cool.
5. Strain the congee through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or bowl.
6. Add the cooked rice porridge (congee) to the pot and stir well.
7. Slice the cooled pork belly into thin strips and add it to the congee.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Century Egg with Pickled Ginger
For this recipe, we’ll be combining the creamy texture of century eggs with the tangy zip of pickled ginger for a unique and delicious flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 century eggs (see note)
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the century eggs into wedges or slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the sliced pickled ginger to the sauce mixture and toss to coat.
4. Arrange the century egg pieces on a plate or serving dish.
5. Spoon the pickled ginger and sauce over the eggs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is a simple assembly of ingredients.
Note: Century eggs are typically made by fermenting duck or chicken eggs for several months or years. They have a creamy texture and strong umami flavor. If you can’t find century eggs, you can substitute with soft-boiled eggs or even firm tofu for a similar texture.
Century Egg Tofu Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creamy richness of century eggs with the tender texture of pan-seared tofu, all wrapped up in a bed of crisp greens and topped with toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
– 2 century eggs (or 1/4 cup preserved duck egg), crumbled
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– Salt to taste
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Pan-sear the tofu cubes in a little sesame oil until golden brown.
2. In a separate pan, heat the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper over low heat. Add the crumbled century eggs and stir gently to combine.
3. Assemble the salad by placing the mixed greens on a plate, followed by the seared tofu cubes, and finally the century egg mixture.
4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Stir-Fried Century Egg with Chili Peppers
Century eggs, also known as pidan eggs or preserved eggs, are a Chinese delicacy that has been fermented for several months to create a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. In this recipe, we’ll pair the century egg with spicy chili peppers and quick-cooking vegetables for a flavorful and nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 century egg
– 2-3 chili peppers (such as jalapeño or serrano), sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the century egg into wedges.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced chili peppers and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Add the century egg wedges to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Century Egg and Minced Meat Porridge
In this traditional Chinese recipe, century eggs (thousand-year-old eggs) are paired with savory minced meat to create a hearty and comforting porridge.
Ingredients:
– 2 century eggs, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked pork or beef, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced meat and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the diced century eggs and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes or until the eggs are fully cooked.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Century Egg with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
In this recipe, we’ll transform century eggs (also known as pidan eggs) into a savory and aromatic dish by marinating them in soy sauce and sesame oil.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 century eggs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Cut the century eggs into wedges or slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water until well combined.
3. Place the egg pieces in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
4. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the century eggs chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Marinating time: 24 hours
Century Egg and Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creamy richness of century eggs with the cooling crunch of cucumbers, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 century eggs (preserved duck or chicken eggs)
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the century eggs into small wedges.
2. In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices, scallion greens, and century egg pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required!
Century Egg Dumplings in Broth
A comforting Chinese-inspired soup that combines the creamy richness of century eggs with tender dumpling wrappers and savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 century eggs, peeled and chopped
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped century eggs and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until they start to brown slightly.
3. Wrap each wonton wrapper with a small spoonful of the century egg mixture in the center.
4. Bring the chicken broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Carefully add the dumplings to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface.
7. Stir in garlic and soy sauce.
8. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Century Egg Fried Rice
This classic Chinese dish is a staple of street food stalls and family gatherings alike. With its savory flavors and satisfying texture, Century Egg Fried Rice is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 century egg, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Push the onion mixture to one side of the wok. Crack in the century egg and scramble it with the spatula.
5. Mix the egg with the onion mixture.
6. Add the cooked rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps with the spatula.
7. Stir-fry the rice with the egg and onion mixture for about 2 minutes.
8. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Century Egg and Shrimp Spring Rolls
Discover the perfect harmony of textures and flavors with this refreshing spring roll recipe, featuring century egg and succulent shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the Asian food section)
– 1/2 cup century eggs, diced
– 1/2 cup cooked and peeled shrimp
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the century eggs, shrimp, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the egg-shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the spring rolls and fry until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side.
5. Remove the spring rolls from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Century Egg with Silken Tofu and Bonito Flakes
This classic Chinese dish combines the creamy texture of silken tofu, the savory flavor of century egg, and the crispy crunch of bonito flakes. A perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
• 1 block of silken tofu
• 2 century eggs (or equivalent preserved duck eggs)
• 1/4 cup bonito flakes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the century egg into small pieces and set aside.
2. Drain the excess liquid from the silken tofu and crumble it into a bowl.
3. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to the tofu and mix well.
4. Place the century egg pieces on top of the tofu mixture.
5. Sprinkle bonito flakes evenly over the dish.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Century Egg and Mushroom Stir-Fry
This classic Chinese dish combines the creamy richness of century eggs with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a savory sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 century eggs, thinly sliced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the century eggs and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Pour the sauce over the egg and mushroom mixture.
6. Stir-fry everything together for another minute, until the sauce is well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Century Egg and Chicken Jook
A classic Chinese comfort food, Century Egg and Chicken Jook is a rich and savory soup made with silky-smooth chicken broth, tender chicken, and creamy century eggs. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 whole chickens (or 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast/thigh)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 century eggs, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, onions, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add chicken to the pot and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
4. Slice century eggs into thin strips and add to the soup.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Century Egg with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Elevate your Chinese-inspired dishes with this savory Century Egg recipe, paired with a bold and spicy garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 century egg (pickled duck or chicken yolk)
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Cut the Century Egg into small cubes and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth to make the Spicy Garlic Sauce.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Pour the blended sauce into the pan and stir constantly for about 1 minute, until slightly thickened.
5. Add the Century Egg cubes to the sauce and stir gently to combine.
6. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the egg is coated with the spicy garlic sauce.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Century Egg and Avocado Sushi Rolls
Discover a unique fusion of East meets West flavors with this innovative Century Egg and Avocado Sushi Rolls recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (short-grain)
– 1/2 cup Century egg, peeled and diced
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the nori sheet into desired roll sizes (about 1 inch wide).
3. Lay a nori sheet flat, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori, leaving space for the filling.
5. Place 2-3 pieces of Century egg and a dollop of mashed avocado in the middle of the rice.
6. Fold the nori over the filling, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (sushi is typically served fresh)
Century Egg and Scallion Pancakes
This recipe combines the savory flavors of century eggs with the crunch of scallions, all wrapped up in a delicate pancake. Perfect for a unique breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 century egg, chopped
– 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add chopped century egg and scallions to the dry ingredients; mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add in water and beaten egg; stir until smooth batter forms.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for another minute.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on number of pancakes)
Century Egg Wonton Soup
A classic Cantonese soup that combines the rich flavors of century egg with tender wontons and a delicate broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or pork stock
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 8-10 wontons (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 century egg, cut into small pieces
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; cook until softened.
2. Pour in the stock, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer.
3. Carefully add the wontons and century egg pieces to the soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the wontons float to the surface.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Century Egg and Cilantro Cold Noodles
This refreshing dish combines the creamy richness of century egg with the bright, herbaceous flavor of cilantro and crunchy noodles.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cold noodles (preferably rice noodles or soba)
– 1/2 cup century egg, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and chill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Add the diced century egg and chopped cilantro to the sauce mixture; stir to combine.
4. Place the chilled noodles in a serving dish or individual bowls. Pour the egg-cilantro mixture over the noodles and toss gently to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep) + chilling time for noodles
Summary
Discover the versatility of century eggs with these 18 savory recipes! From traditional dishes like Century Egg and Pork Congee to unique creations like Century Egg Tofu Salad, there’s something for everyone. Get creative with stir-fries, salads, porridges, and even sushi rolls. Try Century Egg with Pickled Ginger or Century Egg Fried Rice for a flavorful twist. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something new, these recipes showcase the rich and creamy texture of century eggs. Explore the possibilities and elevate your culinary game!