Chawanmushi (Savory Egg Custard)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Country of Origin

Japan

Description

A silky, delicate, steamed egg custard flavored with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, containing hidden treasures of chicken, shrimp, and mushrooms.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Served hot or warm in individual covered teacups or ramekins, eaten delicately with a small spoon.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs

• 1.5 cups dashi stock (cooled)

• 1 tsp light soy sauce

• 1 tsp mirin

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 4 small pieces chicken thigh, bite-sized

• 4 small peeled shrimp

• 4 shiitake mushroom caps, sliced

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep Base: Whisk eggs gently in a bowl without creating foam. Stir in cooled dashi, light soy sauce, mirin, and salt.

2. Strain: Strain egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup.

3. Fill Cups: Divide chicken, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms evenly across 4 heatproof teacups or ramekins. Pour strained egg liquid over toppings.

4. Steam: Cover cups with foil or lids. Place in steamer over medium-low heat and steam for 12–15 minutes until set.

Optional

• Mitsuba Top: Garnish surface with fresh mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or ginkgo nuts before steaming.

Cooking Tips

• Keep steam heat low and gentle; high heat causes bubbles, turning silky custard into a rubbery texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~100 kcal

• Total Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 1.5g

• Cholesterol: 165mg

• Sodium: 420mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 2g

• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugars: 1g

• Protein: 11g