Chinese Scrambled Egg White Recipe: A Simple and Healthy Breakfast Option
If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipe, Chinese scrambled egg whites might be just what you need. This dish is packed with flavour and can be easily prepared at home. The dish is made with egg whites, which are sautéed with a variety of ingredients, such as dried scallops, crab meat, and salted chilies.
To make Chinese scrambled egg whites, you'll need a few basic ingredients, such as egg whites, oil, water, and white pepper. You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as dried scallops, crab meat, and salted chilies, to enhance the flavour. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can use vegetables, such as broccoli, as a garnish. You can also propose the use of seafood, such as shrimp or lobster, in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable.
Overall, Chinese scrambled egg whites are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed anytime. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to please. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can easily prepare this dish at home and enjoy it with your family and friends.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese scrambled egg whites are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed anytime.
- You can add a variety of ingredients to the dish, such as dried scallops, crab meat, and salted chilies, to enhance the flavour.
- You can propose the use of seafood, such as shrimp or lobster, in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Egg Whites and Alternatives
Chinese scrambled egg white recipe features egg whites as the main ingredient. You can use fresh eggs or packaged egg whites for this recipe. If you prefer a vegan or egg-free option, you can use tofu or chickpea flour instead of egg whites. However, the texture and taste may differ from the traditional recipe.
Seasonings and Flavours
The seasoning and flavours in the Chinese scrambled egg white recipe include salt, sugar, sesame oil, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. You can adjust the amount of seasoning according to your taste preference. For a sweeter taste, add more sugar, and for a salty taste, add more soy sauce. You can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the flavour.
Vegetable and Protein Add-Ins
To add more texture and nutrition to the dish, you can add vegetables and protein. Common vegetable add-ins include tomatoes, green onions, and spinach. For protein, you can add dried scallop, shrimp, or crab meat. Seafood adds a unique flavour and texture to the dish, and it is a great suggestion for seafood lovers. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can add mushrooms or tofu instead.
Here is a table summarizing the possible ingredients and substitutes for the Chinese scrambled egg white recipe:
| Ingredients | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Egg whites | Tofu, chickpea flour |
| Salt | Sea salt, kosher salt |
| Sugar | Honey, maple syrup |
| Sesame oil | Olive oil, vegetable oil |
| Scallions | Leeks, shallots |
| Garlic | Garlic powder, onion powder |
| Soy sauce | Tamari sauce, Worcestershire sauce |
| Milk | Almond milk, coconut milk |
| Dried scallop | Dried shrimp, dried fish |
| Shrimp | Crab meat, chicken |
| Tomatoes | Bell peppers, zucchini |
| Ginger | Ground ginger, ginger paste |
| Green onions | Chives, shallots |
| Spinach | Kale, Swiss chard |
Remember to adjust the seasoning and add-ins according to your preference.
Nutritional Information
Macronutrients Breakdown
When it comes to Chinese scrambled egg whites, the macronutrient breakdown is relatively balanced. A single serving of this dish contains about 100-150 calories, which is a moderate amount for a meal. The dish is also low in carbohydrates, with only about 5-10 grams per serving. This makes it a great option for those looking to limit their carb intake.
In terms of protein, the dish is quite high, with around 10-15 grams per serving. This is due to the use of egg whites, which are a great source of protein. However, it's worth noting that the dish is low in fat, with only about 3-5 grams per serving. This means that if you're looking for a higher-fat meal, you may want to consider adding some healthy fats to the dish, such as avocado or nuts.
Dietary Considerations
Chinese scrambled egg whites are a great option for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet. The dish is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice. However, it's worth noting that the dish is relatively low in fiber, with only about 1-2 grams per serving. If you're looking to increase your fiber intake, consider adding some vegetables or whole grains to the dish.
When it comes to sodium, Chinese scrambled egg whites are relatively low, with only about 200-300 milligrams per serving. However, if you're following a low-sodium diet, you may want to watch your portion sizes or consider using a low-sodium soy sauce.
Finally, if you're looking to boost the nutritional content of the dish, consider adding some seafood, such as shrimp or scallops. These ingredients are high in protein and can help you meet your daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Nutritional Info Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided is based on the ingredients and cooking methods used by Huang Kitchen and The Woks of Life. Actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used by individual cooks. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.
Cooking Techniques
Achieving Fluffy Egg Whites
To achieve fluffy egg whites, it is important to beat the eggs thoroughly. You can use a fork or a whisk to beat the eggs until they become frothy. Adding a pinch of cornstarch to the eggs mixture can also help to achieve fluffier egg whites.
When cooking the egg whites, it is important to use a non-stick pan or wok to prevent the eggs from sticking to the surface. You can also add a small amount of neutral oil or avocado oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
Another technique to achieve fluffy egg whites is to separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the egg whites separately until they form soft peaks. Then, gently fold the egg whites into the yolks before cooking.
Wok and Pan Choices
When cooking Chinese scrambled egg whites, it is recommended to use a wok as it provides more surface area for the eggs to cook evenly. However, a non-stick frying pan can also be used if a wok is not available.
It is important to choose a wok or pan that is the right size for the amount of eggs being cooked. A smaller wok or pan may cause the eggs to cook too quickly, resulting in overcooked or burnt eggs.
If you want to add seafood to your Chinese scrambled egg whites recipe, you can use dried scallops or fresh crab meat. Dried scallops can be soaked in water until they become soft before adding to the eggs mixture. Fresh crab meat can be added directly to the eggs mixture before cooking.
Recipe Variations
Regional Twists
Chinese scrambled egg white recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste and preferences. Depending on the region, you can add different ingredients to create unique variations of this dish.
In Cantonese cuisine, you can add diced prawns or shrimps to the scrambled egg whites. This adds a seafood flavour and texture to the dish. In Shanghainese cuisine, you can add sautéed dried scallops to the dish. This gives the dish a rich and savoury flavour.
To add a vegetable twist to the dish, you can use different vegetables. For example, you can use asparagus instead of broccoli. You can also add mushrooms or chopped spring onions to the dish.
Dietary Adjustments
If you have specific dietary requirements, you can adjust the recipe to suit your needs. For example, if you are vegetarian, you can omit the seafood and add more vegetables. You can also use a plant-based oil such as coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
If you are on a low-sodium diet, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce and vinegar used in the recipe. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce and vinegar substitutes.
To make the dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and vinegar. You can also omit the Shaoxing wine and use vegetable broth instead.
By adjusting the recipe to suit your taste and dietary requirements, you can create a unique and delicious version of Chinese scrambled egg white recipe.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Accompaniments
Chinese scrambled egg whites make for a great side dish to complement your meal. You can serve it with steamed rice or fried rice to make a complete meal. The light and fluffy texture of the egg whites pairs well with the heavy texture of rice.
If you are looking to add some vegetables to your meal, you can serve the egg whites in a broccoli ring. Broccoli florets and stalks can also be added to the dish to provide a crunchy texture. The dish can be garnished with sautéed dried scallops or egg yolk on top to add some depth of flavour.
Chinese restaurants often serve scrambled egg whites with seafood such as shrimp or crab meat. You can try adding some seafood to your dish to add some extra flavour. Shrimp and crab meat are great options to consider.
Leftover Ideas
If you have any leftover Chinese scrambled egg whites, you can use them in various ways. You can use the egg whites as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. The dish can also be used as a topping for salads.
If you have some leftover rice, you can mix it with the egg whites to create a delicious fried rice dish. The dish can also be used as a filling for omelettes or frittatas.
Overall, Chinese scrambled egg whites are a versatile dish that can be paired with various accompaniments and used in various ways. You can experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a fluffy egg white scramble?
The key to achieving a fluffy egg white scramble is to whisk the egg whites until they are frothy and then gently fold them into the other ingredients. This will help to create air pockets in the eggs, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Can you share a simple method for steaming egg whites, Chinese style?
To steam egg whites Chinese style, you will need a steamer basket and a heatproof dish. First, beat the egg whites until they are frothy and then pour them into the heatproof dish. Next, place the dish in the steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set. Serve immediately.
How do I incorporate chicken into a scrambled egg white dish?
To incorporate chicken into a scrambled egg white dish, you can either sauté diced chicken breast in a pan before adding the egg whites or use leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the egg whites before cooking.
What's the best way to make a stir-fried egg white that's not rubbery?
To make a stir-fried egg white that's not rubbery, you should cook the egg whites quickly over high heat. Be sure to use a non-stick pan and add a little oil to prevent sticking. Stir constantly to prevent the egg whites from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
How do you prepare the egg white and broccoli dish often found in Chinese cuisine?
To prepare the egg white and broccoli dish, start by steaming the broccoli until it is tender. Next, beat the egg whites until they are frothy and then pour them into a heated non-stick pan. Add the steamed broccoli and cook until the egg whites are set. Serve immediately.
What ingredients can I add to my egg white scramble to enhance its flavour?
You can add a variety of ingredients to your egg white scramble to enhance its flavour. Some popular options include diced vegetables such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms, as well as herbs and spices like basil, thyme, and paprika. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or crab meat to give your egg white scramble a unique twist.