Looking for authentic duck egg recipes, Chinese style? Duck eggs offer a rich, creamy flavor that elevates many traditional Chinese dishes, like salted eggs and century eggs. Their unique texture and taste make them ideal for a variety of cooking methods, from preserving to stir-frying. Let’s dive into some popular recipes featuring duck eggs.
Why Duck Eggs are Special in Chinese Cuisine
Duck eggs are larger and richer than chicken eggs, making them a favorite in Chinese cooking. Their creamy yolks and firm whites hold up well to intense flavors, making them perfect for preservation techniques like salting or century egg fermentation. Due to their richness, they are commonly used in savory dishes, adding depth and a velvety texture
Traditional Chinese Duck Egg Recipes
1. Salted Duck Eggs (咸鸭蛋)
Salted duck eggs are a time-honored delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The process of making salted duck eggs enhances their flavor, turning them into a savory, umami-packed treat. Here’s how you can make and use salted duck eggs:
How to Make Salted Duck Eggs:
- Ingredients:
- Fresh duck eggs (10-12 eggs)
- Salt (about 2 cups)
- Water (enough to cover the eggs in a jar)
- Optional: Shaoxing wine for extra flavor
- Dissolve the salt in boiling water and let it cool.
- Place the fresh duck eggs in a large glass jar and pour the cooled brine over them. Ensure the eggs are completely submerged.
- Seal the jar and leave it in a cool, dark place for 30-40 days.
- After 30 days, boil one egg to test its saltiness. If it’s to your liking, store the eggs in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Common Ways to Serve:
- As a side dish: Serve salted duck eggs with congee (rice porridge). The rich, salty yolk complements the mild flavor of the congee perfectly.
- In mooncakes: The yolks of salted duck eggs are often used in traditional mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Tip: To reduce saltiness before serving, soak the boiled eggs in water for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Century Eggs (皮蛋)
Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs or “thousand-year-old eggs,” are a staple in Chinese cuisine. They have a bold, pungent flavor and a jelly-like consistency that might be an acquired taste for some, but they are prized for their complexity.
How to Make Century Eggs (Traditional Method):
- Ingredients:
- Fresh duck eggs
- A blend of clay, ash, salt, and rice hulls
- Coat each egg in the mixture of clay, ash, salt, and rice hulls.
- Store the coated eggs in a dark, cool place for several weeks to months (depending on the desired flavor and texture).
- Once they turn dark green or brown with a creamy yolk, they’re ready to eat.
Common Ways to Serve:
- Tofu with Century Eggs: Cube fresh, silken tofu and top with sliced century eggs. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil for a refreshing and savory appetizer.
- Century Egg Congee: Chop century eggs and stir them into rice congee, adding depth to the dish. Garnish with scallions and ginger for extra flavor.
Tip: For beginners, pairing century eggs with mild ingredients like tofu helps balance their strong flavor.
3. Duck Egg Stir-Fry
Duck eggs make an excellent addition to stir-fries, thanks to their rich yolks. They add creaminess and a luxurious texture to simple vegetable dishes.
Stir-Fried Chives with Duck Eggs Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 fresh duck eggs
- 1 bunch of Chinese chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Beat the duck eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the beaten duck eggs, cooking until lightly scrambled.
- Add the chopped chives and soy sauce, stir-frying quickly until the chives are tender.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Tip: Duck eggs take a bit longer to scramble due to their thicker consistency, so be patient!
Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs
Wondering how duck eggs stack up against chicken eggs nutritionally? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Nutritional Aspect | Duck Eggs (1 egg) | Chicken Eggs (1 egg) |
| Calories | 130 kcal | 72 kcal |
| Protein | 9 grams | 6 grams |
| Fat | 9.6 grams | 5 grams |
| Cholesterol | 619 mg | 186 mg |
| Vitamin D | Higher | Moderate |
| Omega-3 Fats | Rich | Moderate |
Duck eggs are more caloric and nutrient-dense, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a richer, more flavorful egg. However, due to the higher cholesterol content, it’s important to eat them in moderation.
Health Benefits and Considerations
Duck eggs are packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamin D. However, they are higher in cholesterol compared to chicken eggs, so those with dietary concerns should monitor their intake.
According to the USDA, duck eggs contain nearly three times the amount of cholesterol as chicken eggs, making them a richer but more indulgent option. They’re ideal for special dishes or occasional use in your diet.
Duck Egg vs Chicken Egg Nutrition
Where to Buy Duck Eggs in the USA
In the USA, duck eggs are available in Asian markets, farmer’s markets, and some specialty grocery stores. For the freshest options, check local farms, especially those that sell free-range duck eggs. You can also find them online through farm-to-table suppliers.
For more check the article linked below:
Chinese duck egg recipes offer a wide range of textures and flavors. From salted duck eggs to century eggs and simple stir-fries, duck eggs are a versatile ingredient in Chinese cooking. Whether you’re enjoying the creamy, salty richness of a salted duck egg or the bold taste of a century egg, these traditional recipes are sure to satisfy.
External Resources
https://healthyschoolrecipes.com/source/usda-standardized-recipes/page/3/
