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

In this article, we’re going to explore how to make a century egg, a traditional Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Despite its unusual appearance and pungent smell, the century egg is a tasty delicacy that can be eaten on its own or used in a variety of recipes. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

The first step in making a century egg is to find some fresh duck, chicken, or quail eggs. These can be found at most Asian markets or online, and they should be free of any cracks or defects. Once you have your eggs, you’ll need to prepare a mixture of salt, calcium oxide, and water, which will be used to preserve them. This mixture is known as “pickling lime,” and it plays a crucial role in the century egg-making process.

The Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Century Egg

Century eggs are a Chinese delicacy that are often served as a side dish or used in soup or stew recipes. If you’d like to try your hand at making century eggs, it’s important to have all the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Duck eggs
2. Charcoal powder
3. Salt
4. Wood ash
5. Rice straw or sawdust
6. Tea leaves
7. Calcium oxide
8. Water
9. Plastic wrap
10. Airtight container

The Preparation Process

Making century eggs is not a quick endeavor. The process takes several weeks, but the end result is definitely worth it. Here’s an overview of the preparation process:

1. Clean the duck eggs thoroughly and allow them to dry.
2. Mix the charcoal powder, salt, wood ash, and rice straw or sawdust together in a bowl.
3. Coat each egg evenly in the mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
4. Place the coated eggs in a plastic wrap and secure it tightly around them.
5. Store the wrapped eggs in a covered airtight container and let it rest for about 10 days.
6. After 10 days, remove the eggs from the airtight container and gently wipe off any excess mixture from the outside of the egg.
7. Mix the tea leaves, calcium oxide, and water together in a bowl.
8. Coat each egg evenly in the mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
9. Wrap the eggs again in plastic wrap and return them to the airtight container.
10. Let the eggs sit for another 30-40 days, or until they have the distinctive coating and taste of century eggs.

The Key to Making Century Eggs: Patience

The most important thing to keep in mind when making century eggs is that you need to be patient. This is a process that takes time, and there’s no rushing it. But the rewards are great, and you’ll be able to enjoy these delicious eggs for weeks to come. So take your time, follow the recipe carefully, and enjoy the process of creating this unique delicacy.

Some Tips

If you’re new to making century eggs, there are a few tips that can help you along the way:

1. Make sure to use fresh duck eggs.
2. The mixture of charcoal powder, salt, wood ash, and rice straw or sawdust should be moist, but not wet.
3. You can also use a homemade mixture of ash and clay instead of the commercial mixture.
4. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can leave the eggs in the mixture for a longer period of time.
5. Store the eggs in the refrigerator once they’re done, to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Once your century eggs are ready, there are a few delicious ways you can enjoy them:

1. Cut them into thin slices and serve them as a side dish with soy sauce and sesame oil.
2. Use them as a topping for congee or rice porridge.
3. Add them to soup or stew recipes for a unique flavor.
4. Make a century egg and pork congee for a comforting and tasty meal.

The Bottom Line

Century eggs may take some time and effort to make, but they’re definitely worth the wait. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create this unique and delicious delicacy right in your own kitchen. So give it a try, and enjoy the flavors of centuries-old tradition in your home today!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Century Egg

Making century egg might sound like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, with patience and the right ingredients, you’ll be able to make this Chinese delicacy like a pro in no time. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make century egg:

Duck, Chicken, or Quail Eggs

Century eggs can be made with different types of eggs, but the most popular choices are duck, chicken, or quail eggs. Duck eggs are the most commonly used variety, as they have a larger yolk and firmer texture, which makes them perfect for preserving in the salt and ash mixture.

Alkaline Solution

The alkaline solution, also known as “qopt,” is a mixture of quicklime, ash, and water that helps maintain a high pH level during the preparation process. This solution neutralizes the acidity of the egg white and breaks down its protein structure, which aids in the curing process. You can purchase pre-made alkaline solutions in the market or make your own using quicklime and ash.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is used to coat the eggs, which helps to preserve them throughout the curing process. You can use any high-quality sea salt available, such as Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt.

Tea Leaves

Tea leaves are optional ingredients that are added to the curing solution to improve the flavor of the century eggs. Tea leaves can add a subtle smokiness to the eggs and enhance their overall taste.

Rice Husks or Wood Ash

Rice husks or wood ash are used to insulate the eggs during the curing process. They help to provide a warm environment that promotes bacterial growth and ensures that the eggs are evenly cured.

Plastic or Ceramic Container

You’ll also need a container to store the eggs during the curing process. Plastic or ceramic containers are the best options, as they don’t react with the curing solution. Make sure the container is large enough to hold all the eggs you plan to cure.

Cellophane or Cling Film

Cellophane or cling film is used to cover the container and seal in the curing solution. Make sure the film is tight and secure so that the eggs are fully submerged in the curing mixture.

Dark Place

During the curing process, it’s important to store the eggs in a dark, cool place. Direct sunlight can disrupt the curing process and cause the eggs to spoil.

Patience

Making century eggs is not a quick process. It takes time and patience to produce this traditional Chinese delicacy. From the curing process to the final product, it can take up to several months to make century eggs. So, be prepared to wait, and don’t rush the process.

Willingness to Experiment

Finally, making century eggs is an experimental process. Don’t be afraid to try different methods or ingredients to find the perfect recipe for your taste. It’s all about trial and error, and learning from your mistakes. So, be adventurous, and have fun with the process!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Century Egg

• Preparing the Ingredients
• Preparing the Egg
• Mixing and Coating the Egg
• Storing and Aging the Egg
• Cracking and Serving the Egg

Preparing the Ingredients

To make century eggs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 10 duck eggs (preferably fresh)
• 2 cups of salt
• 2 cups of lye (sodium hydroxide)
• 3 cups of ash (optional)
• 1 cup of black tea leaves
• 1 cup of rice straw
• 1 cup of wood ash
• Water

Begin by cleaning the duck eggs thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse off any remaining soap residue and let them air dry.

Preparing the Egg

Next, gently tap the top and bottom of the eggshells against a hard surface to form small cracks. Be careful not to break the shells completely.

Mixing and Coating the Egg

In a large bowl, whisk together the salt, lye, ash (if using), black tea leaves, rice straw, and wood ash. Gradually add water and mix until the solution becomes thick and slushy.

Take the cracked duck eggs and coat them with the mixture, making sure to cover all sides evenly. Place the eggs in a large airtight container or a clay pot.

Storing and Aging the Egg

Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator or a cellar, for at least 30 days. During this time, the mixture will work to preserve and transform the duck eggs into century eggs by breaking down the proteins and fats in the egg whites and yolk.

Be sure to check on the eggs every few days, turning them carefully to prevent any mold growth. Check for a strong smell to indicate that the eggs are properly fermenting.

Cracking and Serving the Egg

After 30 days, remove the century eggs from storage and crack them open. The egg whites will have transformed into a jelly-like substance, while the yolks will have turned into a creamy, dark green or gray color with a pungent aroma.

Serve the sliced century eggs as a snack or as a topping for congee (rice porridge). You can also use them in traditional Chinese dishes such as steamed egg custard or century egg with pickled ginger.

In conclusion, making century eggs requires a bit of effort and patience, but the end result is a unique and delicious delicacy. With this step-by-step guide, you can now try your hand at making century eggs at home. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Homemade Century Egg!

Congratulations, you have just made your very own century egg! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and wait patiently. Remember that making century egg requires patience, care, and attention to detail. But it’s all worth it once you taste the final product. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Thank you for taking the time to read it. Don’t forget to come back later for more homemade recipe ideas and cooking techniques. Happy cooking!