Love trying new egg dishes? Check out our list of the best Asian egg dishes and get ready to be inspired. From savory to sweet, these recipes will surely please everyone at your table. With so many delicious options, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But don’t worry.
We’ve got you covered with recipes for classics like Tamago Kake Gohan and shakshuka, as well as more inventive dishes like mochi waffles and Korean egg bread. So what are you waiting for? Grab a carton of eggs and get cooking!
Famous Asian Egg Dishes You Need to Try
Eggs are a staple in many Asian dishes, and there are many different ways to enjoy them! From stir-fries to soups, here are some of the best Asian egg dishes you need to try.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg fried rice is typically made with rice that has been cooked ahead of time, so it’s perfect for using up leftovers. The rice is stir-fried with eggs and vegetables in a wok or large frying pan. It’s a simple dish packed with flavor and can easily be customized.
Egg Drop Soup
Another popular Asian egg dish is egg drop soup. This soup is made by slowly adding beaten eggs to boiling broth, resulting in long strands of cooked egg. It’s a comforting soup often served as an appetizer or side dish.
Scrambled Eggs With Tomatoes
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes is a popular dish in China that’s often served for breakfast. The eggs are cooked with chopped tomatoes and green onions, and they can be seasoned with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. This dish is quick and easy to make and a great way to start your day.
Omelette
An omelette is a classic dish found in many Asian countries. It’s typically made with eggs, vegetables, and meat and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can customize your omelette to your liking, which is a great way to use leftover ingredients.
So, there you have it – some of the best Asian egg dishes you need to try! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something more substantial, these dishes will hit the spot. Give them a try, and let us know which one is your favorite.
Asian Egg Dishes: Region By Region
Region by region, Asian countries have their unique take on egg dishes. From the simple and humble omelette to the more elaborate thousand-layer cake, there is an egg dish for everyone in Asia. In China, eggs are often used to symbolize fertility and new life. They are often eaten during the Chinese New Year and other festive occasions.
Common Chinese egg dishes include the century egg, a preserved egg cured in lime and clay for several weeks or months, and the thousand-year-old egg, a pickled duck egg that has been soaked in tea, rice wine, and spices for several months. In Japan, eggs are often eaten as part of a traditional breakfast known as Tamago Kake Gohan, consisting of a raw egg mixed with rice and topped with soy sauce.
Another popular Japanese dish is omurice, or omelette rice, a rice omelette filled with chicken and vegetables. In Korea, eggs are often used in much the same way as in China and Japan. They are often eaten as part of a traditional breakfast or as a side dish with rice. Common Korean egg dishes include gyeranppang, Jinping, and steamed egg bread.
In Vietnam, eggs are often used in noodle dishes such as banh mi and pho or spring rolls. They are also often eaten as a snack, boiled and dipped in salt or chili sauce. With so many delicious options, it’s no wonder eggs are such a popular food in Asia!
How Asian Egg Dishes Are Eaten Differently Between Regions
Asian egg dishes can be broadly divided into two categories: those eaten as part of a meal and those eaten as snacks. In China, for example, quail eggs are often served as an appetizer or side dish, while in Japan, Tamago Kake Gohan (a rice bowl with a raw egg stirred in) is a popular breakfast dish.
There are endless possibilities regarding recipes and ways of eating Asian egg dishes. Here are some examples of popular dishes from different regions:
China
- Tong Zi dan: hard-boiled eggs often dyed red and served with a sweet soy sauce dip.
- Pidan: also known as “century eggs,” these are eggs that have been preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, lime, and rice hulls for several weeks or months. The result is a dark green or grey yolk with a firm texture. Pidan is commonly served sliced and stir-fried or in soup.
- Danzi: Danzi is a type of egg dumpling popular in the Jiangnan region of China. The filling is made with ground pork, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and other ingredients, and the wrapper is made from a thin omelette.
South Korea
- Gyeranppang: a type of Korean muffin that is made with eggs, flour, milk, and baking powder.
- Gyeran jjim: a steamed egg casserole often made with vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, and onions.
- Namul: Namul is a Korean vegetable dish that often includes eggs as an ingredient. Common namul dishes include gosari namul (made with fern brakes) and kimchi namul (made with cabbage kimchi).
Japan
- Tamago Kake Gohan: a rice bowl dish popular for breakfast or a quick lunch. It consists of rice and a raw egg, mixed and then topped with other ingredients such as nori (seaweed), soy sauce, and shredded vegetables.
- Omurice: a Western-style dish that is popular in Japan. It consists of rice fried with chicken and vegetables, then covered with a thin omelette.
- Japanese omelette: a type of omelette that is popular in Japan. It is made with egg, chicken, vegetables, and rice and usually has a sweet or savory filling.
- Tamagoyaki: a Japanese omelet that rolls several layers of the egg together to create a cylindrical shape. It is often filled with fish, vegetables, or other ingredients and served as a side dish or as part of a bento box lunch.
Taiwan
- Dan bing: a type of Taiwanese crepe made with an egg batter and then filled with ingredients such as ham, cheese, and vegetables.
- Shacha eggs: boiled eggs that are then marinated in a sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili peppers, and other spices.
- Lu Wei: a type of Taiwanese Braised dish that can be made with eggs as one of the ingredients. Common lu Wei dishes include xiao bing (a small pancake), yu shiang (fish-flavored), and Jiang bing (sesame seed).
- Taiwanese Egg Crepes: These thin egg crepes are popular street food in Taiwan and are often filled with various savory fillings such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
Vietnam
- Trung vit lon: a type of Vietnamese omelette that is made with duck eggs. It is often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
- Trung chao: a Vietnamese fried egg dish often served as a side dish or appetizer. The eggs are fried in fish sauce, garlic, and chili peppers.
Hong Kong
- Dan tat: a type of Hong Kong egg tart that is made with a shortcrust pastry shell and then filled with a custard made from eggs, milk, sugar, and flour.
- Gai Daan Jai: a Hong Kong egg waffle made with an egg batter and then cooked in a special waffle iron. It is often served with ice cream or topped with fruit.
Recipe Instructions For Asian Egg Dishes
Enjoy! Asian egg dishes are a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. There are many recipes for Asian egg dishes, so you can find one that perfectly suits your taste preferences. Below are instructions for three popular Asian egg dishes.
Egg Foo Young Recipe
What is Egg Foo Young?
Egg foo Young is a classic Chinese dish with eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce. It is often served over rice, making it a complete meal. The dish is relatively easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. Whether you prefer your egg foo young with chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian, this dish is sure to please.
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook for about 3 minutes, until they are firm. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside. To the same skillet, add the vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are soft. Return the eggs to the skillet and stir in the soy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve the egg foo young on a bed of rice. Enjoy!
Pad Thai Recipe
What is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish that is popular in Thailand. It is made with rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, tofu, eggs, and vegetables. Pad Thai is usually served with a wedge of lime and crushed peanuts.
Instructions:
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and shallots, and fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken (or tofu), and fry for 3–4 minutes until cooked. Add the eggs and scramble lightly. Add the noodles, beansprouts, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.
Toss everything together until well combined. Serve with chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, and a wedge of lime on the side. Enjoy!
Egg Fried Rice Recipe Instructions
Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and shallots, and fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the rice and cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through. Add the eggs and scramble lightly. Add the soy sauce, beansprouts, carrots, and peas. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime on the side. Enjoy!
The Different Ways To Cook Asian Egg Dishes
Egg dishes are a staple in many Asian cuisines. They can be cooked in various ways, and each method has a unique flavor and texture. The most common methods of cooking egg dishes in Asia are stir-frying, scrambling, and omelette. Stir-frying is the most popular method of cooking egg dishes in China. This method of cooking results in a dish that is full of flavor and has a slightly crispy texture.
The eggs are usually cooked with vegetables, meat, or seafood and are often served over rice. Scrambling is the most common method of cooking egg dishes in Japan. This method results in a soft and fluffy texture. The eggs are usually cooked with vegetables, meat, or seafood and are often served over rice.
An omelette is a popular method of cooking egg dishes in Korea. This method results in a dish that is slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Do Asian Egg Dishes Come With Sauce
Asian egg dishes can come with or without sauce. When choosing a dish, you must consider what kind of flavors you prefer. Some people prefer their food to be more savory, while others might enjoy a sweeter dish. If you are unsure about what kind of sauce you would like, it is best to ask your waiter or chef for recommendations. Below are some sauce recipes for Asian egg dishes:
Sweet And Sour Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 green peppers, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can of tomato sauce
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and salt. Gradually stir in water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add onion and green peppers; simmer for 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Serve over Asian egg dishes. Here are some popular Asian egg dishes to try with this sweet and sour sauce:
- Sweet and Sour Eggplant
- Stir-Fried Eggs with Tomatoes
- Scrambled Eggs with Bok Choy
- Egg Foo Yung (Chinese omelette)
- Tomato Egg Drop Soup
Spicy Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 chili pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
The Benefits Of Eating Egg Dishes
Eggs are a good source of protein, which can help you maintain muscle mass and boost metabolism. Choline is important for brain health. Eggs are low in calories and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy choice. Egg dishes are versatile and can be made to suit any taste. They can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Egg dishes can be simple or complex, depending on your skill level and time constraints.
Some popular egg dishes include omelets, frittatas, quiches, and scrambles. These dishes can be made with various ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Egg dishes offer several health benefits and can be easily incorporated into any meal. Whether looking for a quick and easy breakfast or a hearty dinner dish, egg dishes are a great choice.
What Are The Risks Of Eating Too Many Eggs
Eggs are a versatile and affordable source of protein, but they also come with a few health risks. Eating too many eggs can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting your intake of dietary cholesterol to 300 mg per day. One large egg contains 186 mg of cholesterol, so eating two eggs a day could put you over the limit.
The AHA also recommends limiting your saturated fat intake to no more than 5-6% of your daily calories. One large egg contains 1.6 grams of saturated fat, so eating two eggs daily could increase your heart disease risk. If you have diabetes, you should limit your egg intake to no more than three per week. Eggs are high in cholesterol and saturated fat and can also cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
While eggs are a nutritious food, eating them in moderation is important. Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you have concerns about how many eggs you should eat.
Are Asian Egg Dishes Hard To Store
Asians have a long tradition of using eggs in their cooking, and there are many different ways to store them. While some methods may be more difficult, it is generally not hard to store Asian egg dishes. Here are a few tips:
- To keep the yolks from drying out, coat them in a thin layer of oil before storing them.
- If you plan to use the eggs within a week, store them in a cool, dry place.
- For longer storage, up to several months, store the eggs in a cool, dark place such as a refrigerator.
- Asian egg dishes can also be frozen for long-term storage. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic or foil to prevent freezer burn.
With proper storage, Asian egg dishes can last long and still be delicious. Try different methods to see what works best for you and your family.
Asian Egg Dishes: FAQs
What is the difference between an omelet and a crepe?
An omelet is a dish with beaten eggs cooked until they are set, typically with fillings such as cheese, vegetables, and meat. A crepe is a thin pancake made from a batter of eggs, milk, and flour and usually filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
What are some popular fillings for Asian egg dishes?
Some popular fillings for Asian egg dishes include cheese, vegetables, meat, and seafood. Cheese is also a popular filling for many Asian egg dishes. Common vegetables used in these dishes include onion, mushrooms, and spinach. Meat fillings can include chicken, beef, and pork. Seafood options may include shrimp, crab, and lobster.
Are all egg dishes served with rice?
No, not all egg dishes are served with rice. Rice is a common side dish in many cultures, but it is not required for every meal. Many delicious egg dishes can be enjoyed without rice. Some popular egg dishes from Asia that do not include rice are:
- Thai omelette (kai jeow)
- Vietnamese egg rolls (cha gio)
- Japanese tamagoyaki
- Chinese steamed eggs (dan za)
- Korean gyeran jjim (steamed egg casserole)
Of course, many other delicious Asian egg dishes can be enjoyed without rice. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things! Who knows, you might just find your new favorite egg dish. These are just a few examples of endless possibilities.
How long do they take to cook?
This depends on the dish. Some egg dishes can be cooked in just a few minutes, while others may take an hour or more.
Are there any health benefits to eating Asian egg dishes?
Yes, there are plenty of health benefits to eating Asian egg dishes! For one, eggs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients. Additionally, they can help you feel fuller longer and regulate blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Asian egg dishes offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that appeal to everyone. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal or something more elaborate, there is sure to be an Asian egg dish that fits the bill. Additionally, eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, providing essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health. So why not give one of these delicious dishes a try today?
Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.