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Cantonese-inspired · Vegetarian

Silky Steamed Eggs

水蒸蛋 · Shuǐ zhēng dàn

Eggs and warm water steamed in a shallow bowl. Gentle steam and a covered bowl help keep the surface smooth.

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Prep10 min
Cook18 min
Serves2
DifficultyEasy
Silky Steamed Eggs — ingredient illustration, not a photo
Original ingredient illustration · not a photograph · China Table · CC0 1.0
Recipe guide · not yet kitchen-testedAI-assisted editorial draft. Timing depends on your stove, pan, and ingredient size. Use the doneness checks below.

Let’s get cooking

  1. 01

    Mix gently

    Beat eggs with salt, then stir in warm water. Avoid frothing. The water is roughly 1.5 times the egg weight.

  2. 02

    Strain into a bowl

    Pass through a fine sieve into a shallow heatproof bowl. Skim remaining bubbles and cover loosely with a heatproof plate.

  3. 03

    Steam gently

    Place on a rack above boiling water, cover the pot, and maintain gentle steam for about 12–18 minutes.

  4. 04

    Check and serve

    The centre should be set, not liquid, and reach 71°C. Extend time for a deep bowl. Use mitts to remove and add optional soy sauce and sesame oil.

A little kitchen wisdom

Bowl depth changes cooking time. A smooth-looking surface does not prove the centre is cooked.

Can’t find an ingredient?

Water: Use unsalted stock for a different flavour; check whether it fits your diet.

Cook safely

Cook egg dishes to 71°C / 160°F. For boiled eggs, the white and yolk should be firm.

FoodSafety.gov guidance ↗