Aromatic Perilla Leaf and Egg Custard: Soft and Savory Steamed Delight
Perilla Leaf and Egg Custard Recipe
Create a delicious Perilla Leaf and Egg Custard, a steamed dish featuring the soft texture of eggs combined with the fragrant aroma of perilla leaves, savory crab sticks, and sweet carrots. Enhanced with the umami-rich flavor of shrimp paste broth, this is a super simple steamed dish that’s incredibly tasty.
Main Ingredients
- 6 fresh eggs
- 1 Tbsp shrimp paste broth (adds umami instead of salt!)
- 1 cup (200ml) purified water
- 1 Tbsp glutinous rice flour (generously heaped)
- 8 fresh perilla leaves
- 40g carrot
- 1 large crab stick (imitation crab meat)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 6 fresh eggs. Crack the eggs into a bowl with some depth and gently whisk them, breaking the yolks and mixing them with the whites. Removing the chalazae (the white, stringy bits) will result in an even smoother texture.
Step 2
Add 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste broth to the egg mixture. Shrimp paste broth provides a much deeper and more subtle umami flavor than regular salt, making your steamed egg dish even more delicious. Be sure to use only the broth!
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the ingredients that will make this steamed egg extra soft and moist. Get ready with 1 cup (about 200ml) of purified water and 1 tablespoon of glutinous rice flour, making sure it’s heaped.
Step 4
Using a whisk or a spoon, dissolve the prepared water and glutinous rice flour until smooth and lump-free. It’s important to mix thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps of rice flour.
Step 5
Pour the well-dissolved glutinous rice flour mixture into the egg mixture. The glutinous rice flour will help achieve the right consistency, creating a moist and tender texture.
Step 6
Let’s get the fragrant perilla leaves and colorful vegetables ready. Wash the perilla leaves thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry. Stack the leaves, trim the stems, slice them lengthwise, and then finely mince them. Finely dice the thinly julienned carrot as well. Shred the crab sticks and then finely mince them.
Step 7
Now, add the minced perilla leaves, carrot, and crab sticks to the egg mixture and gently combine. Stir lightly so that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated into the egg mixture.
Step 8
Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place your heatproof serving dish onto the steamer rack and carefully pour in the prepared egg mixture. Cover with a lid and, once steam begins to rise, reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam for about 10 minutes. You can check if it’s cooked by inserting a skewer or toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 9
Voila! Your aromatic Perilla Leaf and Egg Custard is ready, steaming hot. The soft texture, fragrant perilla leaves, and savory notes combine to create a delightful dish that’s perfect as a side dish for rice or as a snack. Enjoy your meal!
