2021 and Century Eggs: A Delicious yet Pedestrian Food
It's 2021, and by this point, we've all had our fill of the "oh-my-god-I'm-eating-century-egg" shock video craze. Yes, century eggs are super delicious, but they're also a pretty pedestrian food at their core – basically just an alkaline cured egg that turns jelly-y, gooey, and rich through the preservation process. So, given that we've all collectively grown up since the mid to early 2010s, it's probably time to explore this humble food in more depth.
Exploring the World of Century Eggs
One of the most exciting things about century eggs is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory sauces and marinades to sweet desserts and snacks. Whether you're looking for a unique ingredient to add some excitement to your cooking or simply want to try something new, century eggs are definitely worth exploring.
The History of Century Eggs
But what exactly is a century egg? The name "century egg" refers to the fact that these eggs were traditionally stored in a cool, dark place for several months or even years before being consumed. This process, known as lactic fermentation, gives the eggs their characteristic flavor and texture.
Fermentation Process
The fermentation process involves allowing the egg to sit in a mixture of salt, water, and other ingredients for several months. The exact ratio of these ingredients can vary depending on the region and personal preference. Some recipes call for adding a few drops of food coloring or spices to enhance the flavor and appearance.
How Century Eggs Are Made
There are many different ways to make century eggs, and each recipe has its own unique twist. Some recipes involve using a mixture of salt and water to create a brine solution, while others use a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. The ingredients used can also vary depending on the region and personal preference.
Preparing Century Eggs
Once you've made your century eggs, it's time to prepare them for cooking. This typically involves cutting the egg in half lengthwise and carefully removing the yolk from the white. Some recipes call for using a specialized tool or knife to remove the yolk, while others simply require a bit of patience and practice.
Using Century Eggs in Recipes
Now that you've prepared your century eggs, it's time to get cooking! One of the most popular ways to use century eggs is in savory sauces and marinades. Simply slice the egg thinly and add it to your favorite stir-fry or sauce recipe. You can also use century eggs as a topping for noodle dishes, soups, or salads.
Chop-Soy Sauce
Here's a recipe that combines soy sauce with the flavors of century eggs:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about five minutes or until thickened slightly.
Fried Garlic Eggplant with Century Eggs
Here's a recipe that combines century eggs with other popular ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 century eggs, sliced into thin rounds
Instructions:
1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add the eggplant slices to the wok or skillet and cook until golden brown, about five minutes.
4. Remove the eggplant from the wok or skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to low and add the century eggs to the wok or skillet with a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
6. Cook until the surface begins to blister, then swirl the sauce over your spatula and around the sides of the wok or skillet for a quick mix.
7. Add in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
8. Return the eggplant to the wok or skillet with some hot, boiled water, and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.
Chop-Soy Sauce
Here's another recipe that combines soy sauce with the flavors of century eggs:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about five minutes or until thickened slightly.
Lei-Jiao Century Egg from Hunan
The Lei-Jiao century egg is a classic dish from Hunan province in China. It's essentially a pounded-century-egg-and-garlic sauce served over steamed rice. The eggs are traditionally roasted before being pounded and mixed with a variety of ingredients, including garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Roast the egg over low heat for several hours until it's cooked through.
2. Peel off the shell and cut in half lengthwise.
3. In a food processor or blender, process the roasted egg until smooth.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper.
5. Add the mixture to the egg and stir until well combined.
Lei-Jiao Century Egg
To make the Lei-Jiao century egg, follow these steps:
1. Roast the egg over low heat for several hours until it's cooked through.
2. Peel off the shell and cut in half lengthwise.
3. In a food processor or blender, process the roasted egg until smooth.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper.
5. Add the mixture to the egg and stir until well combined.
Lei-Jiao Century Egg
To make the Lei-Jiao century egg, follow these steps:
1. Roast the egg over low heat for several hours until it's cooked through.
2. Peel off the shell and cut in half lengthwise.
3. In a food processor or blender, process the roasted egg until smooth.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper.
5. Add the mixture to the egg and stir until well combined.
The History of Century Eggs
But what exactly is a century egg? The name "century egg" refers to the fact that these eggs were traditionally stored in a cool, dark place for several months or even years before being consumed. This process, known as lactic fermentation, gives the eggs their characteristic flavor and texture.
The Fermentation Process
There are many different ways to make century eggs, and each recipe has its own unique twist. Some recipes involve using a mixture of salt and water to create a brine solution, while others use a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. The ingredients used can also vary depending on the region and personal preference.
Chop-Soy Sauce
Here's a recipe that combines soy sauce with the flavors of century eggs:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about five minutes or until thickened slightly.
Using Century Eggs in Recipes
Now that you've prepared your century eggs, it's time to get cooking! One of the most popular ways to use century eggs is in savory sauces and marinades. Simply slice the egg thinly and add it to your favorite stir-fry or sauce recipe. You can also use century eggs as a topping for noodle dishes, soups, or salads.
Chop-Soy Sauce
Here's another recipe that combines soy sauce with the flavors of century eggs:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about five minutes or until thickened slightly.
Lei-Jiao Century Egg from Hunan
The Lei-Jiao century egg is a classic dish from Hunan province in China. It's essentially a pounded-century-egg-and-garlic sauce served over steamed rice. The eggs are traditionally roasted before being pounded and mixed with a variety of ingredients, including garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Roast the egg over low heat for several hours until it's cooked through.
2. Peel off the shell and cut in half lengthwise.
3. In a food processor or blender, process the roasted egg until smooth.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper.
5. Add the mixture to the egg and stir until well combined.
The History of Century Eggs
But what exactly is a century egg? The name "century egg" refers to the fact that these eggs were traditionally stored in a cool, dark place for several months or even years before being consumed. This process, known as lactic fermentation, gives the eggs their characteristic flavor and texture.
The Fermentation Process