Century Egg Recipe

Century egg, also known as preserved egg or hundred-year egg, is a unique Chinese food product. During its production process, strong alkaline substances such as lime and soda are used, which decompose the sulfur-containing amino acids in the egg. This process generates gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, imparting century eggs with a pungent odor reminiscent of fertilizer.Century eggs can be used to create many delicious dishes that won't disappoint you.

In the hot summer, various cold dishes are indispensable. One of my favorite cold dishes is cold mixed century egg. Once summer arrives, I practically have it every other day. Making a plate of cold mixed century egg, paired with a glass of beer, makes for a refreshing and enjoyable experience. If you love century eggs, you might want to take a look at this recipe.

1.How are century eggs made?

Century eggs are typically made using duck eggs, although in some places chicken eggs are also used. Regardless of the type of egg, it consists of an eggshell surrounding egg white with a yolk inside. The egg white is a high-purity protein solution, while the yolk is more complex, consisting mainly of protein and fat particles enveloped in phospholipids.

The formation process of century eggs essentially involves the denaturation of proteins in a strong alkaline environment. Traditionally, key ingredients include lime and soda, which react to produce alkaline sodium hydroxide and calcium carbonate. Sodium hydroxide has much higher solubility than lime and can easily penetrate through the micro-pores of the eggshell.

2.What do century eggs look and taste like?

While the taste of century eggs can be quite intense and even described as "strong" by those not accustomed to it, fans appreciate its unique flavor. Century eggs are known for their smooth and refreshing texture, featuring an amber-like appearance and slightly runny egg white, providing a distinctive culinary experience. Additionally, beyond its taste appeal, century eggs are valued in traditional Chinese medicine for their cooling properties and potential therapeutic benefits in treating various ailments.

3.Where can I buy century eggs?

You can find century eggs in many Chinese grocery stores, typically in the refrigerated section. They may be covered in a brown mixture of clay and grains, or appear as ordinary duck eggs with a slightly darker shell. Be sure to inspect them carefully to avoid cracked shells.

4.How to make cold dressing?

I mainly use common ingredients to prepare it. You'll need finely chopped ginger, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro, mixed with light soy sauce, seafood dipping sauce, and a bit of white sugar. These ingredients can be found in Asian supermarkets or purchased online. There are many ways to prepare cold dressing, and you can adjust it according to your preferences. For example, if you like spicy food, you can add chili peppers.

5.How to store century eggs?

Century eggs with shells can be stored in the refrigerator, but they shouldn't be kept for too long as they may freeze and affect their texture. Alternatively, you can seal century eggs in a plastic bag and store them in a cool, ventilated place, which will also help preserve them for a period without spoilage.

Century eggs typically present a dark yellow or amber color. If you crack open a century egg and find it's not this color, it indicates that the century egg has spoiled and is not advisable to consume.

Century eggs are a typical processed egg product known for their distinctive flavor that stimulates the appetite. When paired with a cold dressing, they become even more delicious. Let's take a look at the specific steps to make tasty cold mixed century eggs together.