🇯🇵 Japanese recipesSide dish

Chawanmushi

By Groceree

Also known as Japanese Steamed Egg Custard

A savoury egg custard set so gently in dashi that it barely holds its shape, hiding a prawn, a piece of chicken and a shiitake. Silky, never bubbled.

Last updated

A small cup of smooth pale yellow steamed egg custard topped with a prawn and herb
Servings
4 servings
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min

Ingredients

  • eggs3
  • dashi stock400 ml
  • light soy sauce1 tsp
  • mirin1 tsp
  • salt½ tsp
  • raw prawns4
  • chicken thighs80 g
  • shiitake mushrooms4
  • spring onions1

Instructions

  1. 01

    Beat the gently without whisking in air — bubbles make holes in the finished custard.

  2. 02

    Mix in the cooled , , and . The ratio is about three parts to one part by volume.

  3. 03

    Strain the mixture through a fine sieve. This is what makes it silky.

  4. 04

    Divide the peeled , the small pieces of and the sliced between four heatproof cups and pour the mixture over.

  5. 05

    Skim off any bubbles on the surface and cover each cup with foil.

  6. 06

    Steam over the gentlest simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, with the steamer lid slightly ajar to keep the temperature down.

  7. 07

    It is done when the centre wobbles like set jelly and a skewer comes out with clear liquid, not raw egg.

  8. 08

    Top with the finely sliced and serve hot.

Notes

  • Low heat is everything. Steamed too hot, the custard bubbles into a spongy, pitted texture instead of silk.
  • Strain the egg and skim the bubbles. Both are what give that perfectly smooth surface.
  • Keep the steamer lid slightly open. It stops the temperature climbing and overcooking the edges.

Nutrition per serving

Calories
140 kcal
Protein
12 g
Carbs
4 g
Fat
8 g

Estimated from the ingredients.

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