Authentic Chinese Songhua Egg (Century Egg) Recipe

Ingredients

15 Fresh Eggs
500 grams of Black Tea Leaves
70 grams of Salt
20 grams of Spiced Soy Sauce
30 milliliters of Chinese Baijiu
2 tablespoons of Lapsang Souchong Tea Powder
1 tablespoon of Lime Powder
1 teaspoon of Sodium Carbonate
2 tablespoons of Red Clay
Water, as needed

Steps and instructions

Begin by boiling the eggs in a pot of water. Ensure that they are fully covered with water. Boil them for about 10 minutes.
Once boiled, remove the eggs from the pot and let them cool.
While the eggs are cooling, prepare the tea infusion. In a pot, combine the black tea leaves, salt, spiced soy sauce, Chinese Baijiu, Lapsang Souchong tea powder, and enough water to cover the eggs. Bring this to a boil.
After the tea infusion has boiled, allow it to cool completely.
When the eggs and tea infusion are both cooled, gently crack the eggshells all over using a spoon. Be careful to not remove the shells.
In a separate bowl, combine the lime powder and sodium carbonate with enough water to make a paste. Apply this paste over the cracked eggs.
Place the eggs into the cool tea infusion. Let them soak for at least 12 hours. For a stronger flavor, let them soak for up to 48 hours.
After soaking, remove the eggs from the infusion and rinse them off. Apply a thin layer of red clay over each egg.
Allow the eggs to air dry for about 2 hours, or until the clay is completely dry.
Once dry, carefully peel off the clay and eggshells to reveal the patterned Songhua egg. Rinse off any residual clay, and the eggs are ready to be served.

Tools for making

Pot - A large pot to boil the eggs and prepare the tea infusion.
Spoon - To gently crack the eggshells without removing them.
Bowl - To mix the lime powder and sodium carbonate to make a paste.
Brush - To apply the lime powder and sodium carbonate paste onto the cracked eggs.
Container - A container to hold the tea infusion for soaking the eggs.
Clay - Red clay to create a decorative layer over the eggs.

Recipe variations

Use different types of tea leaves for the infusion, such as green tea or oolong tea, to create unique flavors.
Add different spices or herbs to the tea infusion, such as star anise, cinnamon, or ginger, for additional flavor profiles.
Experiment with different types of alcohol in the infusion, like rice wine or vodka, to add a different twist.
Try using different types of clay or natural dyes for the outer layer, such as turmeric powder, matcha powder, or beetroot juice, to create vibrant colors.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the eggs with tofu or tempeh, and adjust the soaking time accordingly.
Instead of boiling the eggs, you can also steam them for a different texture.
Add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the tea infusion for a hint of sweetness.
Incorporate other flavorings into the clay layer, such as ground spices or dried herbs, to add an extra layer of aroma.
Experiment with different soaking times to achieve different levels of flavor intensity.
Add a few drops of sesame oil to the tea infusion for an aromatic touch.

Recipe overview

This recipe details the steps to create Songhua Eggs, a traditional Chinese delicacy also known as "Pine Flower Eggs" or "Century Eggs". These eggs are a feast for both the eyes and the palate, presenting a unique marbled pattern on the egg whites and a strong, complex flavor unlike any regular hard-boiled egg. While the preparation method might seem lengthy and meticulous, the result is a truly unique dish that's completely worth the effort. Expect to manage a couple of different elements, including a fragrant black tea infusion and a special clay coating, which work together to deeply infuse the eggs with flavor and create their appealing look. Don't hesitate to make a batch of these Songhua Eggs for a distinctive culinary experience.

Common questions

How long should I boil the eggs? Boil the eggs for about 10 minutes.
How long should I let the tea infusion cool? Allow the tea infusion to cool completely before using it.
How long should I soak the eggs in the tea infusion? Soak the eggs for at least 12 hours. For a stronger flavor, let them soak for up to 48 hours.
How long should I let the eggs air dry? Allow the eggs to air dry for about 2 hours, or until the clay is completely dry.
How do I remove the clay and eggshells? Carefully peel off the clay and eggshells to reveal the patterned Songhua egg.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - A pot large enough to boil the eggs and prepare the tea infusion.
Spoon - A spoon for cracking the eggshells and applying the lime powder and sodium carbonate paste.
Bowl - A bowl to mix the lime powder, sodium carbonate, and water to create the paste.
Brush - A brush for applying the red clay onto the eggs.
Strainer - A strainer to remove the tea leaves from the tea infusion.
Container - A container to hold the tea infusion for soaking the eggs.
Plate - A plate to serve the finished Songhua eggs.

Origin stories

Songhua eggs, also known as "Century Eggs" or "Preserved Eggs", are a well-known delicacy in China, with a history tracing back to the Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that a homeowner in Hunan province discovered duck eggs in a pool of slaked lime used for construction. After being soaked for a considerable period, the homeowner tasted the eggs and found them to be quite delicious. This led to the unique method of preserving eggs, which later evolved into the culinary art of creating Songhua eggs we know today. The name "Century Eggs" comes from the lengthy preservation process that gives these eggs their distinctive flavor and appearance, which includes a dark green yolk and a jelly-like, amber-colored egg white. Despite their name, Century Eggs are typically preserved for only a few weeks to a few months. They are regarded as a symbol of luck, health and prosperity, and often enjoyed at festive occasions and family gatherings.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.