Soy sauce egg
Chinese cuisine is as rich and varied as its heritage. With a history spanning over 5,000 years, it is no wonder that Chinese food has gained worldwide popularity. One of its most popular dishes is the Chinese Soy Sauce Egg. This is a simple, yet delicious snack that is absolutely amazing.
The Chinese Soy Sauce Egg is also known as a Tea Egg, due to its original cooking process where eggs are hard-boiled and then cooked further in strongly brewed tea for hours. This results in a beautiful marbled egg with a unique aroma and a delicate flavor. In this recipe, we’re going to demonstrate how to make a modern version of this classic dish using soy sauce.
Soy sauce is one of the most essential ingredients in traditional Chinese cooking. Made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, soy sauce has a salty, umami-tasting flavor, and it is perfect for adding depth and flavor to your dishes. In this recipe, the soy sauce is combined with various spices to create a complex and delicious marinade.
The process of making Chinese Soy Sauce Eggs begins with boiling them in salted water. While they are boiling, we can begin to make the marinade. The marinade is a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, ginger, cinnamon, and water. The ingredients are then combined and simmered for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
Once the eggs have finished boiling, they are removed from the water and placed into a bowl of ice water. This helps to stop the cooking process and also makes it easier to peel the eggs. Once the eggs have been peeled, they are then transferred to a container and covered with the marinade. The eggs are then refrigerated for several hours, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the egg.
The result is a delicious snack that is perfect for any time of day. The soy sauce marinade infuses the eggs with a savory, umami flavor, while the spices add complexity and depth to the dish. The texture of the egg is soft and tender, making it an excellent contrast to the firmness of the egg white.
In conclusion, the Chinese Soy Sauce Egg recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a traditional Chinese snack. It is a testament to the versatility and cultural significance of soy sauce in Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an appetizer for your next party, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices ginger
- 2 green onions, cut into large pieces
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Place the eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the eggs and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Gently crack the shells all over using the back of a spoon.
- In another pot, mix together the soy sauce, water, garlic, ginger, green onions, star anise, cinnamon stick, sugar, and vegetable oil. Bring to a boil.
- Gently add the eggs to the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even coloring.
- Remove from heat and let the eggs cool in the sauce for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- To serve, peel the eggs and slice in half. Serve with the soy sauce mixture for dipping. Enjoy!