Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs, thousand-year eggs, or皮蛋 (pídàn) in Chinese, are a unique delicacy deeply rooted in Chinese cuisine. Despite their unusual appearance and strong aroma, these preserved eggs offer a complex umami flavor that enhances many traditional dishes.
In this article, we’ll explore how century eggs are made, how to prepare them, and the best ways to enjoy their rich taste. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious foodie, this guide will help you unlock the flavors of this fascinating ingredient.
What is a Century Egg?
A century egg is a duck, chicken, or quail egg preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice husks for several weeks or months. The preservation process transforms the egg white into a translucent dark brown jelly and the yolk into a creamy, dark green or gray paste with a rich, earthy flavor.
Century eggs are known for their bold, ammonia-like aroma, but their taste is surprisingly smooth, featuring deep umami notes with hints of fermented cheese. They are commonly enjoyed as a standalone snack, in congee, or as a topping for cold dishes.
Health Benefits of Century Eggs
Century eggs are packed with nutrients, including:
✔ High protein content – Essential for muscle repair and overall health.
✔ Rich in amino acids – Supports digestion and boosts metabolism.
✔ Good source of minerals – Contains calcium, iron, and zinc for bone and immune health.
✔ Low in carbohydrates – Suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
Despite their high sodium content due to the preservation process, century eggs can be a flavorful and nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
How to Prepare Century Eggs
1. Choosing the Right Century Eggs
When buying century eggs, look for eggs with an uncracked shell. The shell may have a marbled pattern, which is completely normal. Some varieties are sold pre-peeled in vacuum-sealed packaging.
2. How to Peel Century Eggs
Peeling a century egg can be tricky due to its delicate jelly-like texture. Follow these steps for a smooth process:
1️⃣ Gently tap the shell with the back of a spoon to crack it evenly.
2️⃣ Roll the egg on a flat surface to loosen the shell.
3️⃣ Peel off the shell carefully, starting from the wider end.
4️⃣ Rinse the egg under cold water to remove any leftover shell fragments.
3. Slicing Century Eggs
Century eggs can be sticky and soft, making them difficult to slice. The best method is to:
🔪 Use a sharp knife coated with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
🔪 Cut the egg into wedges for easy serving.
🔪 Avoid pressing too hard to maintain the yolk’s creamy texture.
Best Ways to Enjoy Century Egg
1. Classic Century Egg and Tofu
A simple yet refreshing dish perfect for summer!
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 century egg
- 1 block of silken tofu
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them on a serving plate.
2️⃣ Cut the century egg into small wedges and arrange them over the tofu.
3️⃣ Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
4️⃣ Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
5️⃣ Serve chilled for a refreshing appetizer!
2. Century Egg Congee
A comforting, savory rice porridge infused with the rich flavors of century egg.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 century egg, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 6 cups chicken or pork broth
- 200g lean pork (sliced or ground)
- 1-inch ginger (julienned)
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Chopped green onions for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Rinse the rice and cook it in broth over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2️⃣ Add the pork slices, ginger, and white pepper, and cook until the meat is tender.
3️⃣ Stir in the diced century egg and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Season with soy sauce and garnish with green onions.
5️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy!
3. Century Egg Salad with Pickled Ginger
A bold and tangy dish that balances the richness of century eggs with zesty pickled ginger.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 century eggs, sliced
- ½ cup pickled ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp chili oil (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange the sliced century eggs on a plate.
2️⃣ Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil in a small bowl.
3️⃣ Drizzle the dressing over the eggs.
4️⃣ Top with pickled ginger and fresh cilantro.
5️⃣ Serve as an appetizer or side dish!
Century eggs may seem intimidating at first, but they are a flavorful and nutritious addition to your culinary adventures. Whether eaten on their own, in congee, or paired with tofu, they offer a unique umami punch that makes them a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine.
Have you tried century eggs before? Let us know your favorite way to enjoy them in the comments below!
