Egg-citing Asian Cuisine: 5 Dishes You Need to Try with Eggs

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated September 8, 2022

As a protein-rich ingredient, eggs are used in many dishes in Asian cuisine. But how are they used?

The most common way to use eggs in Asian cuisine is to cook them in various ways. Scrambled, poached, boiled, and fried eggs are common in many dishes. The most popular way to use eggs in Asian cuisine is to cook them scrambled.

In this guide, I’ll explain how eggs are used in Asian cuisine, and I’ll share some of the most popular dishes.

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From Scrambled to Poached: Different Methods of Cooking Eggs in Asian Cuisine

Looking for a quick and filling snack or dinner? Scrambled eggs are a lightning-fast option that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some different ways to add eggs to your dishes:

• Scrambled eggs with chives and tofu are a classic Cantonese dish that is silky and delicate.
• Southern-style scrambled eggs are a counterpart to the Cantonese version, with ground beef, onion, and green pepper added to the mix.
• Lifted egg salad is a brave experiment that involves scrambling the eggs with mayonnaise and lifting them out of the pot with a fork.

Boiled and Poached

Boiled eggs are a classic snack that can be salted or eaten plain. Poached eggs are a bit more delicate and require some skill to get right. Here are some different ways to cook boiled and poached eggs:

• Hard-boiled eggs are a famous snack that can be added to a list of dishes, such as congee, a rice soup that is a staple in Chinese cuisine.
• Poached eggs can be dropped into a pot of soup or added to a salad for a filling and fragrant addition.
• Tea eggs are a Chinese version of boiled eggs that are boiled with tea leaves, soy sauce, and other spices to create a flavorful and unique snack.

Custard and Drop Eggs

Eggs can also be used to create custards and dropped into soups for added flavor and texture. Here are some different ways to use eggs in custards and soups:

• Egg drop soup is a famous Chinese soup that involves dropping beaten eggs into a pot of boiling broth.
• Tomato and egg soup is a popular Chinese soup that involves adding beaten eggs to a pot of tomato soup.
• Egg custard is a sweet dessert that is made with eggs, sugar, and milk and is worth trying at least once in your lifetime.

Stir Fry and Shrimp Ova

Eggs can also be used in stir-fry dishes and even in shrimp dishes. Here are some different ways to use eggs in stir-fry and shrimp dishes:

• Beef and egg stir-fry is a classic Chinese dish that involves stir-frying beef and eggs with onions and green peppers.
• Shrimp ova is a delicacy that involves using the eggs of young shrimp to create a filling and fragrant dish.
• Egg fried rice is a popular Chinese dish that involves frying rice with eggs, green onions, and other vegetables.

The Egg-cellent Benefits of Using Eggs in Asian Cuisine

Eggs are a go-to ingredient in Asian cuisine for many reasons. They are affordable, easy to store, and incredibly versatile. Here are some of the reasons why eggs are a popular choice for Asian dishes:

• Cheap: Eggs are an affordable source of protein, making them a great choice for those on a budget.
• Fast: Eggs cook quickly, making them ideal for quick and easy meals.
• Versatile: Eggs can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet, and can be cooked in many different ways.

Methods of Cooking Eggs in Chinese Cuisine

Chinese cuisine is known for its use of eggs in a variety of dishes. Here are some of the most popular methods of cooking eggs in Chinese cuisine:

• Boiled: Boiled eggs are a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine and are often served as a side dish or added to soups and stews.
• Scrambled: Scrambled eggs are a popular addition to fried rice and noodle dishes.
• Steamed: Steamed eggs are a simple and healthy dish that is often served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
• Preserved: Preserved eggs, also known as century eggs, are a traditional Chinese delicacy that are made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw for several weeks to several months.

Examples of Egg Dishes in Asian Cuisine

Eggs are used in a wide variety of dishes in Asian cuisine. Here are some examples of popular egg dishes:

• Egg fried rice: This simple and delicious dish is made by stir-frying cooked rice with eggs, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
• Egg drop soup: This classic Chinese soup is made by slowly beating eggs into simmering chicken broth, creating thin, delicate strands of egg.
• Marinated eggs: These eggs are boiled, peeled, and then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings for several hours or overnight, resulting in a flavorful and slightly sweet dish.
• Steamed egg custard: This dish is made by steaming a mixture of beaten eggs, chicken broth, and other ingredients until it sets into a custard-like texture.

The Importance of Eggs in Vegetarian Asian Cuisine

Eggs are an important ingredient in vegetarian Asian cuisine, as they offer a complete source of protein and allow for a lot of versatility in cooking. Here are some examples of vegetarian egg dishes in Asian cuisine:

• Egg foo young: This Chinese omelet is made with beaten eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood, and is often served with a brown gravy.
• Vegetable fried rice with egg: This dish is similar to egg fried rice, but is made with a variety of vegetables and no meat or seafood.
• Egg and vegetable stir-fry: This simple dish is made by stir-frying eggs and a variety of vegetables together with soy sauce and other seasonings.

Tips for Preparing and Storing Eggs in Asian Cuisine

Proper preparation and storage of eggs is important in Asian cuisine to maintain their freshness and prevent any foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips for preparing and storing eggs:

• Proper utensils: Use a separate cutting board and utensils for eggs to prevent cross-contamination.
• Proper cooking: Cook eggs thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
• Proper storing: Store eggs in their original carton in the refrigerator, with the pointed end facing down to help maintain their freshness for longer.
• Proper delivery: When transporting eggs, make sure to keep them in a cool, dark place to prevent any changes in temperature that could cause them to spoil.
• Proper drying: If using eggs for drying or preserving, make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them to prevent any moisture from causing spoilage.

Raw Eggs in Asian Cuisine: A Risk Worth Taking?

Raw eggs are a popular addition to many Japanese dishes, especially breakfast. One of the most popular dishes is tamago kake gohan (TKG), consisting of a raw egg mixed with hot rice and soy sauce, topped with a little bit of green onion. This dish is extremely simple but highly satisfying, and the quality of the egg is essential to the overall taste. Japanese people believe that consuming raw eggs can help keep the body healthy and feel energized.

The Risks of Eating Raw Eggs

While raw eggs are a popular addition to many Asian dishes, they do come with certain risks. Raw eggs can contain bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. To reduce the risk of illness, it’s important to only consume raw eggs from reputable farms and to clean them thoroughly before use. People with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and young children should avoid consuming raw eggs altogether.

Ways to Enjoy Raw Eggs

If you’re willing to take the risk, there are many delicious ways to enjoy raw eggs in Asian cuisine. Here are a few ideas:

• Tamago kake gohan (TKG): As mentioned earlier, this is a simple but satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast.
• Raw egg over rice: Similar to TKG, this dish consists of a raw egg served over hot rice, but without the soy sauce and green onion.
• Raw egg with meat: Raw eggs can be mixed with cooked meat and veggies to create a savory dish.
• Raw egg with condiments: Raw eggs can be mixed with various condiments such as mayo, soy sauce, and pickled veggies to create a unique flavor profile.

Boiled Eggs in Asian Cuisine: A Unique and Delicious Addition to Any Dish

One of the most popular ways to prepare boiled eggs in Chinese cuisine is by making tea eggs. This dish involves boiling eggs in a mixture of water, soy sauce, sugar, and spices like ginger and star anise. The eggs are then cracked slightly and boiled again to create a marbled effect on the eggshell. The result is an extremely flavorful and savory egg that can be enjoyed as a snack or added to rice dishes.

Malaysian Soft-Boiled Eggs

In Malaysia, soft-boiled eggs are a typical breakfast dish that is sold in many food stalls. The eggs are boiled slowly in hot water until the whites are set, but the yolk remains runny. They are then served with a side of soy sauce and a sprinkle of white pepper. This dish is often paired with toast spread with kaya, a sweet coconut and butter jam.

Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Egg coffee, also known as eggtea or eggteh, is a trendy beverage in Vietnam that combines coffee with a whipped mixture of egg yolks and sugar. The result is a creamy and delicious texture that is hard to resist. This unique drink is said to have originated during the war when milk was scarce, and eggs were used as a substitute.

Singaporean Pork and Egg Congee

Congee is a rice porridge that is commonly eaten in many Asian countries, including Singapore. One popular variation of this dish is pork and egg congee, which includes boiled eggs and slow-cooked pork or bacon. The eggs are shelled and marinated overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, shallots, and teak leaves, which gives them a unique and savory flavor.

Story Goes

The story goes that the creator of this dish, a mother who was unimpressed with the way her son was treating his boiled eggs, decided to add some mixed spices and slow-cook the eggs to create a dish that would be more flavorful and delicious. The result was a dish that quickly spread in popularity and is now a staple in many Singaporean households.

Boiled eggs are a versatile and delicious addition to any Asian dish. Whether you prefer them soft or hard-boiled, cracked or marbled, there are a variety of ways to prepare them that are sure to please your taste buds. So why not continue to explore the world of boiled eggs in Asian cuisine and discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this superfood?

Scrambled Eggs: A Marvel in Asian Cuisine

In Singaporean cuisine, scrambled eggs are a popular breakfast dish. The eggs are often served with ketchup or chili sauce and are accompanied by other breakfast items like toast and coffee. Scrambled eggs are also a common ingredient in Pad Thai and Mee Goreng, two popular noodle dishes in Singapore.

Scrambled Eggs: A Versatile Dish

Scrambled eggs are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways and served with a range of ingredients. Whether you prefer Chinese-style scrambled eggs with fish or Vietnamese-style scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, there is a scrambled egg dish out there for everyone to love.

Unlocking the Chemistry of Preserved Eggs in Asian Cuisine

Preserved eggs, also known as century eggs or thousand-year eggs, have been a popular food in Asia for centuries. They were first made by packing hard-boiled eggs in a mixture of charcoal, salt, and clay, then soaked in a paste made from ash, salt, and quicklime. The eggs were left to ferment for several weeks to several months, depending on the desired taste and appearance.

The Science behind Preserved Eggs

Preserved eggs undergo a complex chemical process during the preservation period. The alkaline environment created by the ash and quicklime breaks down the egg whites and converts them into a gelatinous substance, while the yolk becomes slightly solidified. The fermentation process also produces ammonia, which gives the eggs their distinctive taste and smell.

How Preserved Eggs are Used in Asian Cuisine

Preserved eggs are typically eaten as a snack or added to soups, congee, or mashed into a soupy texture. They are also a popular ingredient in making balut, a Filipino delicacy that involves a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten with the embryo inside.

The Deceiving Appearance and Taste of Preserved Eggs

The appearance of preserved eggs can be deceiving, as they have a dark greenish-black color and a jelly-like texture. However, the taste is slightly salty and has a unique flavor that can be an acquired taste for some. When I tried preserved eggs for the first time, I was happy to eat them as they tasted good, and I was surprised by the kind of flavor they had.

Comments and Tips on Preserved Eggs

According to Clarissa Ray and Victor Peña, authors of the book Potpourri, preserved eggs are a great addition to any dish that needs a complex flavor. They suggest adding preserved eggs to stir-fries, salads, and even sandwiches. Mabel, a food blogger at TipAsk, recommends trying preserved eggs with congee or rice porridge for a hearty breakfast or a light dinner.

Preserved Eggs in Taiwan

In Taiwan, preserved eggs are a popular snack food, and they are often served with a bowl of soy sauce and vinegar. The eggs are sliced and eaten with the sauce, which helps to balance out the strong flavor of the egg. ISBN, a Taiwanese food blogger, suggests trying preserved eggs with a bowl of hot and sour soup for a steamy and satisfying meal.

Exploring the Variety of Asian Dishes with Eggs

Chinese egg fried rice is a popular main dish that is quick and easy to prepare. The preparation process involves preparing the rice separately and then adding the eggs to the pan. Here are the steps to prepare Chinese egg fried rice:

• Cook the rice and let it cool slightly.
• Beat the eggs in a bowl and add salt and pepper to taste.
• Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat and add oil.
• Add the beaten eggs and stir quickly to create a scrambled egg consistency.
• Add the rice to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through.
• Add soy sauce and any additional ingredients such as pork, beef, or vegetables.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Japanese Tamagoyaki

Tamagoyaki is a sweet and savory Japanese omelet that is a popular breakfast food. The preparation process involves rolling together layers of egg that are cooked in a rectangular pan. Here are the steps to prepare Japanese tamagoyaki:

• Beat eggs in a bowl and add sugar, soy sauce, and mirin to taste.
• Heat a rectangular pan over medium heat and add oil.
• Pour a thin layer of egg mixture into the pan and let it cook until slightly set.
• Roll the egg into a circle using chopsticks or a spatula.
• Add another layer of egg to the pan and let it cook until slightly set.
• Roll the egg into a circle again, starting at the end of the previous layer.
• Repeat the process until all the egg mixture is used.
• Let the tamagoyaki cool slightly before cutting into slices.
• Serve as a breakfast food or as a side dish.

Korean Gyeran Mari

Gyeran mari is a Korean dish that involves rolling a thin layer of egg around a filling of vegetables or meat. The preparation process involves creating a thin layer of egg and then rolling the filling inside. Here are the steps to prepare Korean gyeran mari:

• Beat eggs in a bowl and add salt and pepper to taste.
• Heat a circular pan over medium heat and add oil.
• Pour a thin layer of egg mixture into the pan and let it cook until slightly set.
• Add the filling to the center of the egg circle.
• Roll the egg around the filling to create a cylinder shape.
• Repeat the process until all the egg mixture is used.
• Let the gyeran mari cool slightly before cutting into slices.
• Serve as a side dish or appetizer.

In conclusion, eggs are a super food that is widely used in Asian cuisine. They are a great source of protein and can help create a variety of special dishes. Whether you want to prepare a quick and easy meal or a special dish for a special occasion, eggs are the right ingredient you need.

Conclusion

So, that’s how egg is used in Asian cuisine. It’s a cheap and versatile ingredient that can be used for savory and sweet dishes. It’s used in both traditional and contemporary dishes, and the way it’s used varies from country to country. 

So, now you know everything you need to about how Asian cuisine uses eggs.

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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.