Steamed Eggs with Aromatic Chili Oil

This Steamed Eggs with Aromatic Chili Oil and Soy Sauce is a simple yet flavourful dish, perfect for any meal of the day. With silky steamed eggs paired with a fragrant garlic-chili oil, soy sauce, and crispy fried onions, this dish is bursting with texture and flavour. The aromatics and sauces bring a delicious depth to the dish, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying recipe.

INGREDIENTS

3 eggs
1 tablespoon water
½ teaspoon of any spices (e.g., black pepper, paprika, or cumin)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon chopped red chili pepper
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
3 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower)
A pinch of salt
A pinch of sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon fried onions

METHOD

1. Prepare the eggs:

Crack the eggs into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water and your choice of spices. Beat the eggs until fully combined and smooth.

2. Set up the steam bath:

In a pot, set up a steam bath by boiling water. Cover the bowl of beaten eggs tightly with plastic wrap to prevent condensation from affecting the texture of the eggs.

3. Steam the eggs:

Place the covered bowl into the steam bath and steam for about 7 minutes or until the eggs are set and cooked through. The eggs should be silky and slightly firm to the touch.

4. Prepare the aromatic oil:

In a mortar and pestle (or small bowl), combine and mash together the chopped garlic, red chili pepper, ginger, red onion, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of sugar until a rough paste forms.

5. Heat the oil:

In a small pan, heat 3 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium-high heat until it starts to fume slightly. Carefully pour the hot oil over the mashed aromatics to release their full flavours. Stir to combine.

6. Assemble the dish:

Remove the steamed eggs from the steam bath and discard the plastic wrap. Use a knife to gently score the surface of the eggs in a grid pattern, creating small pockets for the sauces to soak in.

7. Add the finishing touches:

Pour the aromatic oil mixture evenly over the surface of the eggs.

Drizzle the soy sauce on top.

Garnish with sesame seeds and crispy fried onions for added texture and flavour.

Final Thoughts:

This Steamed Eggs with Aromatic Chili Oil and Soy Sauce offers a quick yet flavourful meal that’s rich in textures and umami goodness. The soft, velvety eggs contrast perfectly with the crunchy fried onions and the punchy flavours of garlic, chili, and soy. It’s an easy dish you can whip up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy this savoury delight with a side of rice or on its own!