Century Eggs (皮蛋 – Pí Dàn) Complete Recipe
Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs, are traditionally made using a preservation method that transforms the texture and flavor of the eggs over weeks or months. Here’s how you can replicate this process at home:
Ingredients
- Fresh Duck Eggs: 6–12 (chicken eggs or quail eggs can also be used)
- Black Tea: 2 cups, strongly brewed
- Salt: 1 cup
- Wood Ash (or sodium carbonate): 1/2 cup (e.g., from burned hardwood or use culinary-grade sodium carbonate)
- Calcium Hydroxide (Pickling Lime): 2 tbsp
- Clay (optional): 2 cups (to coat the eggs, use potter’s clay or edible clay)
- Water: 4 cups
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Preserving Mixture
- Dissolve Ingredients:
- Heat 4 cups of water until warm.
- Add the black tea, salt, calcium hydroxide, and wood ash. Stir until dissolved.
- Cool the Mixture:
- Let the solution cool completely to room temperature.
Step 2: Coat the Eggs/china king menu
- Submerge the Eggs:
- Place the duck eggs into the cooled solution, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Leave them in the solution for 7–10 days in a cool, dark place.
- Dry the Eggs:
- After soaking, remove the eggs and let them air dry.
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Step 3: Apply a Clay Coating (Optional)
- Prepare the Clay:
- Mix potter’s clay with a little water to form a paste.
- Coat the Eggs:
- Roll each dried egg in the clay mixture to form a thick coating.
- Optionally, roll the coated eggs in rice husks to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cure the Eggs / china king menu
- Cure for Weeks:
- Place the coated eggs in a container and store them in a cool, dark place for 3–5 weeks.
- The curing time allows the eggs to undergo the fermentation and chemical changes needed for the distinctive flavor and texture.
Step 5: Clean and Serve / china king menu
- Clean the Eggs:
- Carefully remove the clay coating and rinse the eggs.
- Crack open each egg to reveal the translucent, jelly-like egg white and dark yolk.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice into wedges and serve as an appetizer or side dish, often accompanied by pickled ginger or soy sauce.
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Storage
Century eggs can be stored at room temperature (if uncracked) or refrigerated for months.
Notes
- Safety: Homemade century eggs might not be as consistent as commercially made ones due to the lack of controlled conditions. Always inspect for off smells or discoloration.
- Traditional Variations: Some recipes use lye or alkaline clay for faster results, but caution is advised when handling strong alkaline.
Enjoy the unique umami flavor and texture of your homemade century eggs!