Mary Allen
Introduction: What cultures cook with duck eggs?
When it comes to eggs, chickens tend to get all the attention. However, there are plenty of cultures around the world that prefer the taste and versatility of duck eggs. From China to France, duck eggs are used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Asian cuisine or curious about new flavors, cooking with duck eggs is a fun way to expand your culinary horizons.
Chinese cuisine: From century eggs to salted duck eggs
China is renowned for its use of duck eggs in cooking. Perhaps the most famous dish is the century egg, a preserved duck egg that has been cured in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, and rice straw for several weeks to several months. The end result is a gelatinous egg with a funky, pungent flavor that’s not for the faint of heart. On the milder side, salted duck eggs are a popular ingredient in stir-fries, soups, and congee. These eggs are soaked in a brine solution for a few weeks until the yolk turns bright orange and the white becomes firm and salty.
Filipino cuisine: Balut and other tasty treats
In the Philippines, duck eggs are used to make balut, a fertilized and partially developed egg that’s boiled and eaten in the shell. It’s often considered an acquired taste due to the presence of a partially formed embryo. For those who prefer their eggs without any "extras," there are plenty of other delicious options. Salted duck eggs are used in dishes like adobo and pancit, while fried duck eggs are a popular breakfast food.
Vietnamese cuisine: Adding flavor to noodle soups
Duck eggs are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, especially in the southern regions. Salted duck eggs are often served alongside julienned green mango, chili, and fish sauce as a refreshing snack or appetizer. In noodle soups like bun rieu and hu tieu, a whole duck egg is cracked into the broth to add richness and flavor. And for a sweet treat, Vietnamese-style mooncakes often contain a salted duck egg yolk in the center.
Thai cuisine: Khai yiao ma and other delicacies
In Thailand, duck eggs are a popular street food. Khai yiao ma (horse urine eggs) are duck eggs that have been boiled and then soaked in a mixture of salt, ash, and horse urine for a few days. Despite the unappetizing name, the eggs are actually quite mild and savory. Other Thai dishes that use duck eggs include khai look koei (son-in-law eggs) and khanom krok, a sweet coconut pudding that’s traditionally made in a cast iron pan with a duck egg yolk in the center.
Indonesian cuisine: Duck eggs as an everyday staple
In Indonesia, duck eggs are a common ingredient in everyday cooking. Balado telur asin (spicy salted duck eggs) is a popular dish in West Sumatra, while sate telur bebek (grilled duck egg skewers) are a street food favorite. In Bali, a traditional breakfast dish called lawar typically includes shredded coconut, spices, and a hard-boiled duck egg.
French cuisine: Baking with duck eggs
In French pastry kitchens, duck eggs are prized for their rich, creamy yolks. They’re often used in baking, particularly for custards, cakes, and meringues. Duck eggs can also be used in savory dishes like quiches and omelets. While duck eggs may be pricier than chicken eggs, their unique flavor and texture make them a worthwhile investment for any home baker.
Conclusion: Discovering new tastes with duck eggs
Whether you’re a fan of century eggs or prefer your eggs scrambled, cooking with duck eggs is a fun and flavorful way to explore new culinary traditions. From the Philippines to France, cultures around the world have found creative ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into their cuisine. So why not try something new and crack open a duck egg today? You might just discover a new favorite dish.