Description
Chawanmushi brings silky Japanese elegance to delicate steamed egg custard, promising a luxurious culinary journey through subtle umami flavors. Smooth as silk and rich with dashi, seafood, and tender ingredients, this classic dish offers comfort and sophistication in each carefully crafted spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 eggs
- Mushrooms
- Shrimp
- Crab sticks
Liquid Base:
- 350 milliliters (11.8 fluid ounces) water
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon dashi powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Gently whisk eggs in a mixing bowl, creating a silky, uniform consistency without excessive foam or bubbles.
- In a separate container, thoroughly blend water, dashi powder, salt, soy sauce, and sugar until ingredients are fully integrated and harmonious.
- Distribute chopped mushrooms, delicate shrimp, and sliced crab sticks evenly across individual heatproof ceramic vessels.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into each prepared cup, ensuring an even distribution while leaving a small margin at the top to prevent overflow during steaming.
- Securely cover each cup with perforated plastic wrap to allow gentle steam circulation and prevent water condensation from dripping onto the custard surface.
- Position cups in a steamer basket over simmering water, maintaining medium heat and cooking for approximately 15-20 minutes until the custard achieves a soft, trembling texture that springs back when lightly touched.
- Remove custards from steamer, allowing them to rest momentarily to stabilize their delicate structure.
- Present the chawanmushi immediately while warm, garnishing with a light sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or a subtle drizzle of soy sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.
Notes
- Gentle whisking prevents air bubbles, creating a silky smooth custard texture that melts in your mouth.
- Straining the egg mixture ensures an ultra-smooth consistency and removes any potential egg lumps for a professional finish.
- Adjust seasoning levels by reducing salt or using low-sodium dashi for those watching sodium intake or preferring milder flavors.
- Customize toppings with seasonal vegetables, different proteins like chicken or tofu, making this dish versatile for various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 119
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg