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Steamed eggs, a staple in Asian cuisine, are a simple yet delightful dish made by gently steaming beaten eggs until just set. This steamed egg recipe incorporates chicken broth and a hint of sesame oil for depth of flavor. To achieve the perfect texture, it’s essential to strain the egg mixture, ensuring the removal of any air bubbles on the surface. Once steamed over medium heat, these eggs emerge as a smooth, custardy delight, often drizzled with chili oil for a spicy kick.
The process is straightforward—season with salt, steam for 8 minutes, and voila, the egg is cooked to perfection. Aromatic and infused with the subtle essence of chicken bouillon, this dish will become a go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. To ensure the most accurate nutritional information, it’s always a good idea to use a preferred nutrition calculator based on the specific ingredients you use.
What Are Steamed Eggs?
Steamed eggs are a classic dish where eggs are beaten and mixed with water or broth before being cooked with steam. This method creates a custard-like texture that’s cherished for its silkiness. When prepared correctly, the eggs have a smooth surface, without air pockets or craters, reflecting the care taken in their gentle cooking process.
Esteemed in many Asian cultures for their simplicity and elegance, steamed eggs are a testament to the art of minimalistic cooking. This dish exemplifies how a few ingredients, when treated with care and precision, can yield a luxurious and comforting experience that belies its humble origins.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Discover the irresistible allure of our steamed eggs recipe as we explore the reasons why you’ll fall in love with this versatile and customizable dish.:
- Versatility: Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences with various toppings and ingredients.
- Consistent Cooking: The gentle steam ensures an even and consistent cook, resulting in a perfectly textured dish.
- Nutritious and Comforting: Steamed eggs provide a nutritious and comforting meal option for any time of the day.
- Easy Customization: Whether you prefer simplicity or complexity, the recipe allows you to tailor it according to your culinary creativity.
- Suitable for All Meals: Enjoy steamed eggs for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a versatile and convenient choice.
- Encourages Experimentation: Experiment with different flavors and toppings, making the dish a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Ingredients
For a comforting meal that comes together in just 10 minutes, gather the following ingredients:
- Eggs – Fresh eggs will give your dish a silky smooth texture.
- Salt – A pinch of salt is all it takes to enhance the natural flavors.
- Warm water – It combines with the beaten eggs to create a silky texture.
- Toppings – Customize your steamed eggs with soy sauce, chili crunch, sesame, and freshly chopped green onions.
Before you beat the eggs, ensure to strain the egg mixture to eliminate any air bubbles, which can mar the texture. For those who track their intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, steamed eggs can be a suitable breakfast option when prepared with care.

Cooking Instructions
Begin by cracking your eggs into a medium bowl, then gently whisk them until just blended. To achieve a smooth consistency, it’s vital to avoid over-whisking. Take your time to whisk eggs, being careful not to incorporate too much air, which can lead to a less desirable texture. Once your beaten eggs are ready, you’ll only need 8 minutes to cook the eggs to perfection.
Set up your steamer rack within a wok and cover with plastic wrap to prevent water from dripping onto the eggs. Once the water begins to boil over high heat, carefully place your bowl of beaten eggs onto the rack, then adjust the heat to medium-low and allow the eggs to steam. The result is a dish with a custardy, even texture, and rich flavor.
Prepare Seasoning
For a nuanced taste, begin by combining chicken broth with a pinch of chicken bouillon. These elements form the base of your seasoning, which you’ll gently season with salt to balance the flavors. This mixture will be added to your eggs before steaming to infuse them with a savory depth.
Boil Water in the Wok
Fill your wok with enough water to reach just below the steamer rack. Bring the water to a rolling boil, which will provide the steam necessary to cook the eggs evenly. The vigorous bubbles will ensure a steady source of steam throughout the cooking process.
Start Mixing Eggs
To achieve the desired smooth surface, combine your eggs with the seasoned chicken broth mixture. Mix slowly and deliberately to ensure even distribution of the broth without creating foam or air pockets in the egg mixture.
Prepare Warm Water and Mix With Eggs
Warm water is key to achieving a silky texture in your steamed eggs. Combine the water, at room temperature for best results, with the egg mixture, stirring gently for about 30 seconds until well incorporated. This step helps regulate the cooking temperature and ensures a uniform texture.
Start Steaming Eggs
With the water boiling and the egg mixture ready, it’s time to pour the mixture into a bowl and place it on the steamer rack. Cover the wok, ensuring that steam is allowed to circulate freely, and begin the cooking process.
Boil and Simmer
After placing the bowl of eggs in the wok, keep the water at a gentle boil. This consistent heat is crucial for the eggs to cook evenly, resulting in a uniformly soft texture throughout the dish.
Add Seasonings
Once the eggs are nearly set, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Drizzle light soy sauce and just 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the eggs, infusing them with aromatic flavors that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Remove Bowl from Wok
Carefully lift the bowl from the wok using protection for your hands. Check the surface of the egg for any bubbles on the surface and gently dab them away with a paper towel before moving the steaming bowls to a heat-proof surface.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the steamed eggs while they’re warm, either straight from the bowl or transferred to individual plates. The smooth and custard-like texture is best enjoyed fresh from the steamer, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.

How to Make a Large Batch of Steamed Eggs
When serving a larger crowd, begin by cracking 2 large eggs per person into a medium bowl. Gently whisk the eggs, being careful not to introduce too much air, which can affect the texture. Once whisked, strain the egg mixture to ensure a smooth finish without air pockets. Scale the recipe up depending on the number of servings needed, maintaining the ratio of eggs to liquid for consistency.
After preparing your eggs, set up the bamboo steamer or expand your steamer rack to accommodate multiple bowls. Cover each with plastic wrap to protect them from condensation. Bring the water to boil over high heat, place your bowls onto the rack, and then reduce the heat to medium-low to steam the eggs. Sprinkle sesame seeds and a dash of chili oil on top of each serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, this recipe remains a straightforward and scalable option. The key is to maintain the same level of care in preparation—gently whisking, careful steaming, and seasoning to taste. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a large batch of steamed eggs that are just as delicious as a single serving.
My Favorite Seasonings for Steamed Eggs
When it comes to enhancing the delicate flavor of steamed eggs, the right seasonings can make all the difference. Here are some personal favorites that bring out the best in this dish:
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami depth.
- Sesame oil: Gives a hint of nuttiness and rich aroma.
- White pepper: For a subtle, warm spice that complements the eggs without overpowering.
- Chopped scallions: Provide a fresh, oniony crunch and color.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to elevate the natural taste of the eggs.
These seasonings are best added just before steaming the eggs or sprinkled on top after cooking. They balance the flavors and contribute to a moreish dish that’s hard to resist.
Tips for Making Steamed Eggs
Creating the perfect steamed eggs is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Use fresh eggs to guarantee a more flavorful and visually appealing result.
- Beat the eggs thoroughly to avoid uneven cooking and ensure a silky smooth texture.
- Strain the egg mixture to remove air bubbles, which can mar the surface and affect the texture.
- Steam the eggs on a low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain that heavenly soft consistency.
- Keep a close eye on them; individual eggs may cook at different speeds based on size and temperature.
Following these guidelines will help you achieve a custardy, comforting dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Difference Between Chinese Steamed Egg and Korean Steamed Egg
The Chinese steamed egg, or ‘silky smooth’ egg custard, is renowned for its super smooth texture. Prepared with a ratio of 1 cup of warm water to 1 cup of beaten eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, this Chinese steamed egg recipe is steamed gently for about 12 minutes. Often served with a sprinkle of chopped scallion and a drizzle of sesame oil, the dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, creating a comforting meal. Some variations include adding chicken stock for a richer flavor or pairing it with Chinese tea for a traditional experience.
On the other hand, Korean steamed eggs, known as ‘gyeran jjim’, have a slightly different approach. They are usually cooked with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and are known for their heavenly soft texture, which resembles silken tofu. These eggs are typically steamed in a small pot, with water filled halfway up the sides, then covered and steamed for about 3 minutes. Gyeran jjim is often garnished with toasted sesame seeds and is a common side dish for fried rice and other hearty vegetarian recipes. The result is a smooth and silky dish that compliments a variety of flavors.
Wrap-Up:
Steamed eggs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many forms, each with its unique charm. Whether you prefer the Chinese version with its soft texture and subtle flavors or the Korean style, which is just as smooth and silky, steamed eggs can be mastered with a few simple tips and the right seasonings. Remember to keep an eye on the cooking time; generally, around 9 minutes is sufficient for a batch of steamed eggs every single time.
Now that you know how to customize your steamed eggs with favorite seasonings and have the tips to make them just right, as well as understanding the nuances between different cultural versions, you’re all set to treat yourself to this delightful dish. So, grab your steamer, and let’s get cooking!

Hey there, I’m Emily—an entrepreneur skilled in navigating the challenges of a start-up while managing my family life. My journey into the world of quick, nutritious recipes stemmed out of the necessity to balance work and family. Let me be your guide as I share the practical keys to creating fast, delicious meals, ensuring health is never compromised in the rush of daily life.