Chinese Spinach Egg Recipe: A Quick and Easy Dish for Any Meal

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish, look no further than the Chinese spinach egg recipe. This recipe combines the unique taste of century egg, salted egg, and spinach to create a flavourful and nutritious meal.

To make this dish, you'll need to start by selecting the freshest ingredients possible. Chinese spinach, also known as amaranth, is a popular leafy green in Chinese cuisine and can be found in most Asian grocery stores. You'll also need eggs, including century eggs and salted eggs, which can be found in the same stores. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood such as prawns or scallops to the recipe.

Preparation techniques for this dish are relatively simple. You'll need to wash and dry the ingredients before cooking, and then fry the ikan bilis and ginger until fragrant. Then, add the eggs and spinach to the wok and cook until the eggs are scrambled and the spinach is wilted. Finally, add the century egg and salted egg to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Serve hot and enjoy!

Key Takeaways

• The Chinese spinach egg recipe is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that combines century egg, salted egg, and spinach.
• Select the freshest ingredients possible, including Chinese spinach, century eggs, salted eggs, and optional seafood.
• Preparation techniques are simple and involve frying the ikan bilis and ginger, adding the eggs and spinach, and finally the century egg and salted egg.

Selecting Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese spinach egg recipe, selecting the right ingredients is crucial for achieving the perfect taste. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ingredients for your dish.

Choosing Spinach

Spinach is the main ingredient in this recipe, and it is important to choose the right type of spinach. Chinese spinach, also known as amaranth, is the most commonly used spinach in Chinese cuisine. It is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

When selecting Chinese spinach, look for fresh, bright green leaves that are free from blemishes or yellowing. You can find Chinese spinach at your local wet market or supermarket.

Types of Eggs

Eggs are another important ingredient in this recipe. The most commonly used eggs are century eggs and salted duck eggs. Century eggs are preserved eggs that have a rich, creamy texture and a pungent flavour. Salted duck eggs are eggs that have been preserved in salt and have a salty, savoury flavour.

When selecting eggs, choose fresh, high-quality eggs for the best taste. If you cannot find century eggs or salted duck eggs, you can use regular eggs instead.

Additional Flavour Enhancers

To enhance the flavour of your Chinese spinach egg recipe, you can add some additional flavour enhancers. Superior broth is a popular choice for adding depth and richness to the dish. You can also add some seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to give the dish a delicious seafood flavour.

When using seafood, make sure to choose fresh, high-quality seafood. Prawns and scallops are the most commonly used seafood in Chinese cuisine and can be found at your local seafood market or supermarket.

By following these tips, you can choose the best ingredients for your Chinese spinach egg recipe and create a delicious and flavourful dish.

Preparation Techniques

Preparing Chinese spinach with eggs is a simple and straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Here are the preparation techniques for this dish.

Cleaning and Prepping Spinach

The first step in preparing this dish is to clean and prep the spinach. Start by washing the spinach thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Boiling Eggs

The next step is to boil the eggs. Place the eggs in a pot of boiling water and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the pot and place them in cold water to cool. After cooling, peel the eggs and slice them into small pieces.

Creating the Broth

To create the broth, start by heating up some chicken stock in a pot. If you prefer a stronger flavour, you can use a combination of chicken stock and ikan bilis stock. Add some salt to taste and let the broth simmer for a few minutes.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the broth and let them cook for a few minutes until they are fully cooked.

Once the broth is ready, add the chopped spinach and sliced eggs to the pot. Let the dish simmer for a few minutes until the spinach is fully cooked. Serve hot and enjoy!

In summary, preparing Chinese spinach with eggs is a simple and easy process that requires minimal effort. By following these preparation techniques, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Cooking Process

Stir-Frying Garlic and Spinach

To start with the cooking process, heat up some cooking oil in a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add some minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Then, add the spinach leaves and continue to stir-fry until the spinach is wilted.

Combining Eggs with Spinach

Next, add the beaten eggs to the wok or frying pan and stir until the eggs are cooked and scrambled. You can also add some soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of Chinese cooking wine to enhance the flavour of the dish. If you prefer a bit of spice, you can also add some white pepper to taste.

Simmering to Perfection

Finally, add a bit of water to the wok or frying pan and let the dish simmer for a few minutes until the spinach is fully cooked. Make sure to add salt to taste before serving.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can try using shrimp or squid. Simply stir-fry the seafood along with the garlic and spinach, or add it in at the same time as the eggs.

Overall, this Chinese spinach egg dish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavourful meal.

Garnishing and Serving

Adding Toppings

Now that your Chinese spinach with eggs is cooked to perfection, it's time to add some toppings to make it even better. You can sprinkle some wolfberries or goji berries on top of the dish to add a sweet and tangy flavor. The berries also add a pop of color to the dish, making it more visually appealing.

Another topping that you can add is sesame oil. Drizzle a little bit of sesame oil on top of the dish to give it a nutty and aromatic flavor. The oil also adds a glossy finish to the dish, making it look more appetizing.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can use shrimp or scallops. Cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish just before serving. This will give the dish a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

Plating the Dish

When plating your Chinese spinach with eggs, make sure to arrange the spinach leaves neatly on the plate. You can put the spinach stems in the middle of the plate and surround it with the leaves. This will make the dish look more organized and visually appealing.

Next, arrange the eggs on top of the spinach leaves. If you used century eggs or salted duck eggs, slice them thinly and arrange them in a circular pattern on top of the dish. If you used salted egg yolks, crumble them and sprinkle them on top of the dish.

Finally, add the toppings on top of the dish. Drizzle some sesame oil on top and sprinkle some wolfberries or goji berries. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the burst of flavors in your mouth.

This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner at home or for a special occasion. You can also find this dish in many Chinese restaurants, but with a little bit of practice, you can make it just as good at home.

Variations and Substitutes

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you can still enjoy this delicious Chinese spinach egg recipe. Simply omit the trio eggs and use vegetarian or vegan alternatives instead. You can use tofu or tempeh as a protein source, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some dried mushrooms to enhance the umami flavour.

Alternative Ingredients

If you can't find Chinese spinach, also known as xian cai or yin choy, you can substitute it with other leafy greens such as kale, chard, or bok choy. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavour may differ slightly.

Instead of ikan bilis or dried anchovies, you can use vegetable stock or miso paste to add umami flavour to the dish. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a pinch of sugar or use honey instead.

As for the trio eggs, you can substitute them with other types of eggs such as quail eggs or duck eggs. If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can use small shrimp or scallops. Just make sure to cook them separately and add them to the dish at the end to prevent overcooking.

Overall, this recipe is quite versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations until you find the perfect combination that suits your palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a stir-fry with spinach and eggs?

To make a stir-fry with spinach and eggs, you will need to first wash and clean the spinach. Heat up a wok or frying pan with some oil, then add minced garlic and ginger and fry until fragrant. Add the spinach and stir-fry until it is wilted. Push the spinach to the side of the wok and add beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked, then mix them together with the spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or scallops to the stir-fry for added flavour.

What's the secret to a perfect trio egg spinach soup?

The secret to a perfect trio egg spinach soup is to use a good quality chicken broth as the base. Beat together eggs, salt, and white pepper, then slowly pour the egg mixture into the hot broth while stirring the soup in one direction. Add in the spinach and let it cook for a few minutes until it is wilted. Finally, add in the three types of eggs - century egg, salted egg, and regular egg - and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil to taste.

Can you explain how to incorporate century eggs into a spinach dish?

To incorporate century eggs into a spinach dish, you can first wash and clean the spinach, then blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes until it is wilted. Cut the century eggs into small pieces and set them aside. Heat up a wok or frying pan with some oil, then add minced garlic and ginger and fry until fragrant. Add the spinach and stir-fry until it is cooked, then add the century eggs and stir-fry for a few more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add seafood such as sliced fish or prawns to the dish for added flavour.

Is there a difference between water spinach and Chinese spinach in recipes?

Yes, there is a difference between water spinach and Chinese spinach in recipes. Water spinach, also known as kangkong, is a type of leafy vegetable that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has long, hollow stems and a slightly bitter taste. Chinese spinach, on the other hand, is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a slightly sweet taste and can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and salads.

What are the steps to prepare Chinese spinach soup with century eggs?

To prepare Chinese spinach soup with century eggs, you will need to first wash and clean the spinach. Cut the century eggs into small pieces and set them aside. Heat up a pot with some oil, then add minced garlic and ginger and fry until fragrant. Add the spinach and stir-fry until it is wilted. Pour in some chicken broth and let the soup simmer for a few minutes. Finally, add in the century eggs and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil to taste. You can also add seafood such as fish or prawns to the soup for added flavour.

What does round spinach refer to, and can it be used in egg recipes?

Round spinach, also known as Chinese spinach or amaranth, is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a slightly sweet taste and can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and salads. It can definitely be used in egg recipes, such as scrambled eggs or omelettes. Simply wash and clean the spinach, then add it to the beaten eggs before cooking. You can also add seafood such as crab meat or shrimp to the egg dish for added flavour.