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Recipes / Family table

Savory steamed egg custard

Big kids & familyTime: 15 min · Serves: 2 kids or 1 adult + 1 kid

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 150 ml warm water or unsalted stock (about 1.5× the egg volume)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • A few drops toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp soy sauce, to finish
  • Sliced scallion greens, to finish

Steps

  1. 01Beat the eggs with the salt, then whisk in the warm water. Strain through a sieve into a shallow heat-proof bowl for a silky result.
  2. 02Skim off surface bubbles, then cover the bowl tightly with a plate or foil.
  3. 03Steam over gently simmering water for 10–12 minutes, until just set with a slight wobble in the center.
  4. 04Finish with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions. Serve with a spoon, alone or over rice.

Why it works

Wobbly, savory, and spoonable — 蒸蛋羹 is the dish kids of every age share with the baby. The 1.5× water ratio and the strainer are the whole secret to a custard with no holes.

Tips

  • A tight lid keeps condensation from pocking the surface.
  • Fancy upgrades kids love: a few small shrimp or frozen peas dropped in halfway through steaming.

Cooking for a baby too? Set aside an unseasoned portion before the salt and sauces go in, then check the food's own page for the safe form at their age.