How to Make Century Eggs: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you’ve probably heard of century eggs or “pidan.” These eggs are a Chinese delicacy that have been preserved for weeks or months using a mixture of clay, ash, and quicklime. Don’t let the black and green color of the egg scare you off – century eggs are actually really delicious! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple steps.

First, you’ll need fresh duck, quail, or chicken eggs. Rinse them in cold water and then soak them in a solution made of water, salt, and baking soda for about 15 minutes. The next step is to cover each egg with a mixture of clay, ash, and quicklime. This will protect the egg from bacteria and prevent it from rotting. After that, all you need to do is wait for the eggs to mature. The longer you wait, the stronger the flavor will be. Some people prefer their century eggs to be matured for a few weeks, while others like them to be kept for several months. Once the eggs are ready, you can crack them open and enjoy them plain or add them to salads, soups, and other dishes.

How to Make Century Eggs at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know that century eggs, also known as thousand-year eggs or pidan, are actually not a century old as their name suggests? These preserved eggs have been a popular delicacy in Chinese cuisine for centuries, and you can now make them at home in just a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of making century eggs step-by-step.

1. Ingredients and Equipment
Before beginning the process of making century eggs, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You’ll need fresh duck, chicken, or quail eggs, water, sodium carbonate, calcium oxide, and rice husks or tea leaves. For equipment, you’ll need a large glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Clean and sterilize the jar or container
The first step is to clean and sterilize the jar or container that you’ll be using to preserve the eggs. This is important to prevent bacteria from forming, which could ruin your century eggs. To do this, wash the jar or container with warm soapy water and rinse well to remove any soap residue. Then, fill it with boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes before draining the water.

3. Mix the preservation solution
To make the preservation solution, mix 1 part sodium carbonate (also known as lye) to 3 parts water in a large container. Stir well until the sodium carbonate dissolves completely. Then, add in the calcium oxide and stir until it dissolves.

4. Prepare the eggs
Carefully clean each egg with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a needle, puncture a small hole in the top of each egg to allow air to escape during the preservation process.

5. Coat the eggs with the preservation solution
Once the eggs are clean and punctured, use a brush to coat each egg thoroughly with the preservation solution. Be sure to cover every part of the egg to ensure that it’s fully preserved.

6. Wrap the eggs in rice husks or tea leaves
After coating each egg with the preservation solution, wrap each one in rice husks or tea leaves. This not only helps to absorb any excess moisture but also adds a unique and delicious flavor to the eggs.

7. Place the eggs in the jar
Once each egg has been coated and wrapped, carefully place them into the sterilized jar or container. Be sure to pack them tightly, as this will help to prevent any bacteria from forming.

8. Seal the jar and store in a cool place
After placing all the eggs into the jar or container, seal it tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. It’s important to avoid exposing the eggs to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can affect the preservation process.

9. Wait for the eggs to mature
The eggs will need to be left to mature for at least 30 days. During this time, the preservation solution will work to transform the egg’s texture and flavor.

10. Enjoy your homemade century eggs!
After 30 days have passed, your century eggs are ready to be enjoyed. Simply remove them from the jar or container, rinse off the rice husks or tea leaves and slice them open to reveal the delicious, unique flavor and texture of your homemade century eggs.

Preparation for Making a Century Egg

Making century eggs is a unique process that involves preserving raw poultry eggs for several weeks. This process is an ancient tradition that originated in China and is also known as “pidan” or “preserved egg.” While it might seem complicated, making a century egg is straightforward, as long as you follow the right steps.

In this section, we’ll explore the preparation required before you start making a century egg. This will help you understand what you need and what to do before beginning the preservation process:

1. Acquire Fresh Eggs

It is essential to use fresh eggs for making century eggs. Fresh eggs will ensure that the egg retains its texture and flavor after preservation. Try to get fresh and organic eggs from local farmers to ensure your eggs are free from harmful chemicals and preservatives.

2. Clean the Eggs

Before starting the preservation process, clean the eggs thoroughly to remove any dirt or bacteria that could contaminate the egg or affect its taste. Rinse the eggs in lukewarm water and use a soft scrub brush to clean them gently.

3. Boil the Eggs

Boil the eggs for about 5-7 minutes before starting the preservation process. This will make the egg white slightly firmer, making it easier to peel the shell off when ready.

4. Cool the Eggs

Once you’ve boiled the eggs, allow them to cool down completely before moving on to the next step. Place the eggs in cold water for a few minutes to cool them quickly.

5. Prepare the Preservation Mixture

The preservation mixture is essential for the century egg-making process. The mixture typically includes clay, salt, water, and other ingredients that help preserve the eggs. The mixture’s proportions vary depending on the recipe you’re using, so make sure to follow the instructions closely.

6. Apply the Preservation Mixture

Apply the preservation mixture to the cooled eggs, making sure they’re completely covered. You can use a brush or your hands to apply the mixture. Make sure to apply the mixture evenly to all sides of the egg.

7. Wrap the Eggs

Once you’ve applied the preservation mixture, wrap the eggs in plastic to create an airtight seal. This will prevent any air from getting into the eggs and interrupting the preservation process.

8. Store the Eggs Carefully

Store the eggs in a cool and dark place for several weeks, depending on your recipe. Be sure to turn the eggs every few days to ensure the preservation mixture covers all sides of the egg.

9. Test the Eggs

After the preservation period, carefully unwrap the eggs and test them to see if they’re ready. Cut the eggs open and inspect their texture and color.

10. Enjoy Your Century Eggs

Once the eggs are ready, you can enjoy them as a snack or use them in various dishes. Century eggs have a unique flavor and texture that can add depth and complexity to your dishes. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy your homemade century eggs.

Ingredients Used In Making Century Egg

Century egg is an easy to make delicacy, however, it requires a long soaking time. The ingredients used in the making of century eggs are simple and relatively easy to obtain.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

To start with, you have to get fresh duck eggs, either from your backyard or from a store. It is advisable to inspect the eggs before purchasing to ensure that they are not cracked. Also, you can soak the eggs in warm water for about 5 minutes to clean off dirt.

2. Layering

The layering technique involves coating the eggs in a mixture of clay and ash which protects the eggs from bacteria. Firstly, mix enough clay and ash to form a paste with the consistency of thick paint. Wash the eggs with clean water and coat each egg with the clay-ash mixture, ensuring that the whole surface of the egg is fully coated.

Next, stack the eggs in a container, ensuring that each egg is wrapped with a layer of rice husks or tea leaves to prevent them from sticking together.

3. Covering

After the eggs have been coated and placed in the container, sprinkle salt over them, this helps to pull out the moisture that contributes to the preservation process. Finally, cover the container with a tight lid to prevent air from getting in.

4. Soaking and Preservation

Place the container in a cool and dry place, where the temperature is maintained between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Depending on how strong you want the flavor, you can let the eggs sit for 4-12 weeks. During this time, the mixture of clay, ash, rice husks, and salt creates an alkaline environment that preserves the egg, along with giving it a unique taste and appearance.

5. Ready to Serve

After the waiting period, the eggs are ready to eat, and you can store them in the fridge for up to a year. To serve, gently crack the shell and peel it off like a boiled egg. The egg will have a brownish-green colour with a jelly-like texture, a strong flavor and aroma, which can be overwhelming for first-timers.

In conclusion, making century eggs is quite simple but requires a level of patience. It is an appetizing delicacy that doesn’t fail to impress regardless of how long it takes to make.

That’s a Wrap!

And there you have it, folks! Making century eggs may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. All it takes is a little patience and the right ingredients. As you embark on your century egg-making journey, remember to have fun and experiment with different flavors. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back for more exciting recipes and cooking tips! Happy egg-ing!