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Chawanmushi: A Delicate Japanese Steamed Egg Custard

Chawanmushi, a delicate Japanese steamed egg custard, is a traditional dish that combines the subtle flavors of eggs, dashi, and various ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, and kamaboko (fish cake).
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine Japanese
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup dashi (Japanese soup stock)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet cooking rice wine)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced
  • 4 small cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 thin slices of kamaboko (fish cake)
  • 4 sprigs of mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the dashi if you are using a homemade version or reconstitute it from a granulated or liquid concentrate according to the package directions.
  • In a medium bowl, gently whisk the eggs until well beaten but not frothy.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  • Slowly pour the dashi mixture into the beaten eggs, whisking continuously to create a uniform mixture.
  • Strain the egg mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or a bowl with a pouring spout to ensure a smooth and even consistency.
  • Evenly distribute the sliced shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, and kamaboko among four heatproof cups or ramekins. Each cup should be about half full.
  • Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in each cup, filling them almost to the top.
  • Cover each cup with aluminum foil or a heatproof lid.
    Fill a large pot or a steamer with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Place the cups in the steamer, cover the pot, and steam the custard over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You can check the doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the custard; it should come out clean.
  • Carefully remove the cups from the steamer using a pair of tongs or a towel.
    Garnish each chawanmushi with a sprig of mitsuba or cilantro. Serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Chawanmushi!

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 6gFat: 5gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 450mg
Keyword brunch, Chawanmushi, Egg Custard, egg dish, eggs
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