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If you’ve ever craved something silky, comforting, and ridiculously easy, Chinese steamed eggs deserve a permanent spot in your weeknight lineup. Think of them as a savory custard—velvety, subtle, and endlessly adaptable. They’re common in Chinese homes because they’re quick, nourishing, and forgiving. I like to call them the culinary equivalent of a warm hug that also happens to be low-cal and protein-packed.

What makes them special

Texture: The goal is a smooth, jiggly custard with no bubbles or curdled bits. When done right, it’s creamier than scrambled eggs and lighter than a quiche.
Simplicity: Few ingredients. Minimal hands-on time. Big payoff.
Nutrition: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and micronutrients (choline, vitamin D, B12). When steamed instead of fried, the dish is lower in added fats and still deeply satisfying.
Versatility: Dress them up with scallions and soy sauce, turn them into a breakfast staple, or make them a gentle meal for someone under the weather.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

Watery or curdled texture: This is almost always due to overcooking or too-high heat. Always steam gently and check early.
Bubbly surface: Boiling steam equals bubbles. Lower the heat and cover the bowl to prevent condensation dripping.
Too firm: Increase the ratio of liquid to egg (use 1.5–2x the egg volume in liquid) for a silkier, more custard-like result.
Flavor ideas: Stir in a teaspoon of dashi for umami; top with a few cooked ground pork crumbles; fold in chopped greens after steaming for a quick nutritious boost; add minced garlic and chili oil for a spicy twist.
Make-ahead: Steam, cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently over low steam or microwave covered at 50% power for short bursts to keep texture intact.

Healthy swaps and upgrades

Broth Instead of Water: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth boosts flavor without oil.
Silken Tofu + Eggs: Blend silken tofu with eggs for extra creaminess and a protein combo that’s soft and gentle—great for kids or anyone with chewing difficulties.
Veg Boost: Steam peas, finely diced carrots, baby spinach, or mushrooms and layer them in the bowl before pouring in the egg mixture.
Lower-Sodium Finishes: Skip the soy sauce at the end and use lemon zest or chopped herbs for brightness.

Chinese Steamed Eggs

Yield: 1

Author: The Skinny Fork (Amanda Plott)

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 14 MinTotal time: 19 Min

Think of them as a savory custard—velvety, subtle, and endlessly adaptable. They’re common in Chinese homes because they’re quick, nourishing, and forgiving.

Ingredients

2 Whole Large Eggs
200 g. Water (You want two times the amount/weight of eggs.)
Dash of Salt

Instructions

Heat water to a boil over high heat in a large stock pot.
Whisk together the 2 Whole Large Eggs, 200 g. Water, and a Dash of Salt with a chop stick.
Sieve the egg into a small heat-friendly dish (that fits into a steamer basket) to get it nice and smooth.
Reduce the heat to simmer the water and place the dish into the steamer basket and cover with the lid. Set it gently over the stock pot and allow to steam for 14 minutes.
Once done, remove from the steamer basket. Allow to cool slightly and then slice the egg custard into squares.
Top with soy sauce, coconut aminos, chili crunch, chili oil, or anything else to enjoy right away.

Recommended Products

Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets

Coconut Secret The Original Amino Soy-Free Seasoning

Homiah Sambal Chili Crunch

Nutrition Facts

Calories

126

Fat (grams)

8 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

3 g

Carbs (grams)

1 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

1 g

Sugar (grams)

0 g

Protein (grams)

11 g

Sodium (milligrams)

174 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

327 mg

Nutritional Claims: Low Carb • Sugar Conscious • Low Potassium • Kidney Friendly • Keto Friendly • Vegetarian • Pescatarian •Paleo • Specific Carbs • Mediterranean • Dairy Free • Gluten Free • Wheat Free • Milk Free • Peanut Free • Tree Nut Free • Soy Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Red Meat Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free •Mollusk Free • Alcohol Free • No Oil Added • No Sugar Added • Sulphite Free • Fodmap Free • Kosher • Dairy Free Aged