Traditional Chinese Century Eggs (Pidan) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 10 duck eggs
  • 100g of black tea or green tea leaves
  • 100g of calcium hydroxide (also known as slaked lime or edible lime)
  • 100g of table salt
  • 500ml of water
  • 1kg of red clay or garden soil
  • 1 cup of rice husks or rice chaff
  • 1 piece of red or black cloth
  • 1 bottle of Chinese Baijiu (or any distilled spirit)
  • 1 large glass or ceramic jar with lid

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the duck eggs thoroughly and let them dry.
  2. Prepare the curing mixture: Dissolve the calcium hydroxide and salt in a bowl with 500ml of water. Add the tea leaves to the mixture and let it steep for about 12 hours.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the red clay or garden soil with the rice husks or rice chaff. Ensure that the mixture is not too wet or too dry.
  4. Dip the clean, dry duck eggs into the Baijiu or distilled spirit, then roll them in the clay mixture until fully covered. Repeat this step until all the eggs are covered.
  5. Place the eggs in the glass or ceramic jar, and cover it with the red or black cloth. Secure the cloth with a rubber band or string.
  6. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 2 months. During this time, the eggs will develop a unique aroma and taste, and their color will change to a dark green or black shade.
  7. After 2 months, remove the eggs from the jar, and gently scrape off the clay mixture. Rinse the eggs under running water to remove any remaining clay or dirt.
  8. Crack open the egg to reveal the dark, gelatinous egg white and the creamy, dark green yolk. Serve the Pidan in slices as a side dish or in a porridge.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of tea leaves, such as oolong tea or jasmine tea, to infuse different flavors into the Pidan.
  • Experiment with different curing mixtures by adding spices like star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, or cinnamon sticks to the calcium hydroxide and salt mixture.
  • Try using different types of clay or soil for the crust, such as red clay mixed with sand or volcanic soil, to impart unique characteristics to the Pidan.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, substitute the duck eggs with tofu or tempeh and follow the same curing and aging process.
  • Add herbs or spices to the clay mixture before rolling the eggs, such as dried lavender, rosemary, or chili flakes, to create a fragrant and flavorful variation of Pidan.
  • Instead of Baijiu or distilled spirit, soak the eggs in rice wine, sherry, or even soy sauce for a different twist on the traditional recipe.
  • Try aging the Pidan for a longer or shorter period of time to achieve different levels of fermentation and flavor development.
  • Experiment with different serving methods such as using Pidan as a topping for salads or noodles, or incorporating it into savory pastries and dumplings.

Recipe overview

Pidan, also known as Century Egg or Thousand-Year-Old Egg, is a traditional Chinese delicacy that is renowned for its unique taste, texture, and appearance. This recipe guides you through the process of making your own Pidan at home. Despite its name, it doesn't take a century or a thousand years to make - just a couple of months. The process involves curing duck eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for several weeks. The yolk of the egg turns dark green with a creamy consistency and strong aroma, while the egg white becomes a translucent, dark brown jelly with little flavor or smell. The taste is complex, rich and an acquired taste, paired well with a simple congee or used in a salad. This recipe requires patience as the transformation happens over the course of 60 days approximately. However, the end result is an exotic and interesting dish that is bound to stimulate your taste buds and provoke conversation.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Pidan? It takes approximately 2 months to make Pidan.
  2. What kind of eggs should I use? Use duck eggs for making Pidan.
  3. Can I use black tea or green tea leaves? Yes, you can use either black tea or green tea leaves for the curing mixture.
  4. Where can I find calcium hydroxide? Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime or edible lime, is commonly available in grocery stores or online.
  5. Can I use regular table salt? Yes, regular table salt can be used in the curing mixture.
  6. What kind of soil should I use? Use either red clay or garden soil for the clay mixture.
  7. Do I need to keep the eggs in a specific temperature or environment? It is recommended to store the jar with the eggs in a cool, dark place to allow for proper fermentation.
  8. How should I serve Pidan? Pidan can be served in slices as a side dish or used in porridge.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Serving Plate - A flat plate or platter to arrange and present the Pidan slices.
  • Chopsticks - Utensils commonly used to pick up and eat the Pidan slices.
  • Small Bowls - Individual bowls to serve the Pidan slices.
  • Serving Spoon - A spoon used to transfer the Pidan slices from the plate to the individual bowls.
  • Napkins - Disposable or cloth napkins for guests to use while eating the Pidan.

Origin stories

Pidan, also known as century eggs or thousand-year eggs, have a history that stretches back to many centuries ago in China. Despite the name, these eggs are not actually preserved for hundreds or thousands of years. The name is simply a tribute to the lengthy and intricate preservation process that gives the eggs their distinctive taste and appearance. Legend has it that the method for creating Pidan was discovered by chance in Hunan during the Ming Dynasty, when a homeowner found naturally preserved eggs in a pool of slaked lime used for construction. Intrigued by the discovery, the homeowner tasted the egg and was taken with its unique flavor. Since then, the technique has been refined and passed down through generations, and Pidan has become a beloved delicacy in Chinese cuisine.

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.