Boiled eggs are a frequent guest on the dining table, easy to prepare, nutritious, and rich in protein. When cooked just right, the egg white is tender and smooth, while the yolk carries a natural sweetness. By skillfully using seasonings to change up the flavors, the enjoyment of eating them can be enhanced. This article gathers a variety of ways to enjoy boiled eggs in both Western and Asian cuisines, waiting for you to try them out.
Sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, salty – if boiled eggs can only have one flavor added, salt is indispensable. For those who prefer a simpler taste, dipping the boiled eggs in salt or soy sauce will do the trick.
If you have a kitchen torch for making crème brûlée at home, you can quickly create a ritualistic Salted Caramel Egg in just a few minutes. Simply sprinkle flaky sea salt and raw sugar on the cut surface of the egg, then use the torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it bubbles, creating a layer of caramel. Sugar is the soulful flavor of this dish, while salt helps balance out the sweetness.
Bagel seasoning has garnered quite a following, being great for avocado toast, hummus, scrambled eggs, and of course, boiled eggs.
Deviled eggs made with the spicy seasoning Tajín have a unique flavor. In Mexico, people enjoy sprinkling Tajín on fresh fruits and vegetables, so making deviled eggs also involves lightly seasoning the egg whites. As for the yolk, mix it with mayonnaise or yogurt, mustard sauce, or any other sauce you prefer, before filling the egg whites.
Boiled eggs are a highly economical source of protein, perfect for those days when you want a simple meal – whether it’s a bowl of noodles, a pot of congee, a sandwich, or a plate of grain salad. Boiled eggs can be included to give you a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Balsamic vinegar, which is popular worldwide, is a versatile ingredient used in everyday salads, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, desserts, and even ice cream. Made from grapes, balsamic vinegar is sweet and fruity, without the sharp acidity usually associated with vinegar. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar on boiled eggs instantly enriches the flavor, providing an unexpectedly satisfying taste.
Sometimes, enjoying a bowl of flavorful braised pork rice topped with a soy sauce-soaked braised egg can truly brighten up your day. Dishes like these, combining eggs with meat, are deeply comforting – such as Lu mian noodles, ginger vinegar braised pork, and more. When the egg yolk has a sandy texture from being properly cooked, and absorbs the rich sauce, it rivals even the tastiness of braised meat.
While boiled eggs may not make delicious egg-filled pancakes, chopping up hard-boiled eggs and mixing them with seasonings to roll into a flavorful pancake wrap is a great alternative. Apart from noodle dishes, boiled eggs can also be added to meatballs.
If you’re getting tired of boiled eggs, why not try simmering them in a tea egg marinade with spices? Even without adding meat juices, the aroma is rich! Making tea eggs at home isn’t difficult – the commonly used spices in the marinade include fragrant leaves, cinnamon, star anise, and other aromatics often found in peanuts, along with a dash of red tea. By adding Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine, you can achieve a more complex flavor profile.
Planning to store a batch of boiled eggs in the fridge? Consider letting the eggs soak overnight in a marinade sauce. For instance, Korean spicy marinated eggs or Western-style pickled vinegar eggs. Pickled vinegar eggs are quite simple to make, with a basic marinade of water, salt, vinegar, and optionally sugar. Depending on your taste preferences, you can select spices such as chili peppers, mustard seeds, garlic, and peppercorns. Additionally, adding turmeric or beet juice can give the eggs a beautiful hue.