10-minute microwave-steamed eggs

10-minute microwave-steamed eggs

Getting enough protein has always been a challenge for me, especially when it involves taking a lot of time to cook something up. On most days, I want something easy. These microwave-steamed eggs take minutes to make and they are light, airy, and delicious. You can have them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and with a hint of Asian flavors, they might become your next go-to meal. 

Steamed eggs with garnish

What are steamed-eggs?

Steamed eggs are a simple yet elegant dish made by gently cooking eggs in steam. This method of cooking results in eggs with a silky smooth texture and a delicate flavor. They are often enjoyed plain or with simple toppings like soy sauce, scallions, or chili oil. Variations in steamed eggs are enjoyed in countries around the world.

For example, China has a long history with steamed eggs, and they remain a staple breakfast dish in many households. They're often enjoyed plain or with simple toppings like soy sauce, scallions, or chili oil. Chawanmushi, the Japanese version of steamed eggs, is a popular dish that is also enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as part of a larger meal. Its versatility allows for various ingredients, making it a favorite for many palates. Gyeranjjim is a Korean steamed egg dish often served as a side dish or light meal. It's typically flavored with vegetables, anchovy paste, or vegetable broth and has a firmer texture than Chinese or Japanese versions. Trứng hấp, Vietnamese steamed eggs, are often enjoyed as a light breakfast or snack. They're similar to Chinese steamed eggs but may be flavored with herbs like lemongrass or coriander. Kai yat, Thai steamed eggs, are typically seasoned with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and lime juice, giving them a unique and savory flavor. They're often served with rice or noodles. 

Steamed egg recipes can be found in Mexico too. Huevos cocidos al vapor are a simple and healthy breakfast option. They're often enjoyed with salsa, tortillas, or avocado. And in Tunisia, people indulge in brik eggs, where a whole egg is wrapped in a thin pastry with vegetables and spices before being steamed. It's a popular street food and snack.

Recipe: 10-minute microwave-steamed eggs

Steamed eggs with Asian flavors

  • Yields: 1 to 2 servings
  • Cook time: 10 minutes if using water or broth | 20 minutes if using kombu dashi

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup to ½ cup of water, or instant dashi, or kombu dashi, or broth
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon chili garlic oil for garnish (optional) 
  • ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional) 
  • Pinch of toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Pinch of cilantro (fresh or dry, optional)
  • Bonito flakes for garnish (optional) 
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped greens onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: If you want to make your steamed eggs with kombu dashi, boil filtered water and pour it over a 2-inch by 2-inch square of dried kelp and let it steep for about 10 minutes. If you want to use water or broth, skip this step entirely. 

Kombu dashi steeping in hot water

Step 2: Crack two room temperature large eggs into a microwave-safe bowl. I like to use a cereal bowl because it isn’t too deep. Whisk vigorously and then add your cool liquid into the eggs. I typically like to add ¼ cup of liquid for firm eggs and ½ cup of liquid for softer eggs. You can also add a pinch of salt here, but I recommend skipping this step if you’re adding soy sauce later.

Whisked eggs with foamy top

Step 3: Once everything is well combined, you can skim off the bubbles with a spoon for a more even appearance once the eggs are cooked. 

Removing bubbles from eggs

Step 4: Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe topper, like a plate, and microwave for 1 minutes (1,000-watt microwave). Check the eggs to see how runny they are. They will likely still be a little runny in the middle. Pop the eggs back in the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds and check again. Do this process (heating at 30 second intervals) until the eggs are no longer runny and you get your desired consistency. 

Step 5: Once the eggs have cooked, let cool off in the microwave for a few minutes and then, with caution, remove the eggs from the microwave and start garnishing. 

Steamed eggs after microwaving

Step 6: I like to add soy sauce for saltiness, chili oil for heat, sesame oil for flavor, cilantro for freshness, scallions for crunch, and bonito flakes for umami. Enjoy right away or serve along with some warm white rice. 

Garnished steamed eggs

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by adding your comment below! 

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