Chinese Century Egg Salad (Pidan Salad)

During a family gathering, an elder made a cold dish with century eggs, and the unique texture immediately captivated me. The silky century eggs paired with a fragrant sauce melted in my mouth. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with this dish. Today, I want to share the recipe for cold century eggs with you all.

Introduction

Cold century eggs are characterized by their unique texture and rich flavors, making them particularly popular in the Jiangnan region of China. It is said that this dish was originally created to use up leftover century eggs. Over time, cold century eggs have become a beloved appetizer, commonly found not only on family dining tables but also at various banquets.

There’s an interesting legend about cold century eggs. According to the tale, an ancient chef, while preparing for a banquet, discovered leftover century eggs and wasn’t sure how to use them. Suddenly inspired, he sliced the eggs and added some seasonings and vegetables. To his surprise, this improvised dish became a huge hit. Since then, cold century eggs have been passed down through generations, becoming a classic appetizer.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

To make cold century eggs, you'll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

Century Eggs: The star of the dish, providing a unique texture and flavor.

Seasonings:

Ginger: Adds a refreshing aroma and taste, helping to reduce any fishiness from the century eggs.

Chinkiang Vinegar, Light Soy Sauce, White Sugar: These balance the flavors with acidity, saltiness, and a refreshing touch.

Substitutes:

Century Eggs: Can be replaced with regular eggs or tofu.

Ginger: If you’re not a fan, you can omit it or use other spices like minced garlic instead.

Chinkiang Vinegar: Can be substituted with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Light Soy Sauce: You can use regular soy sauce or soy paste.

White Sugar: Can be replaced with honey, brown sugar, or other sweeteners.

What is a Chinese century egg?

Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs or hundred-year eggs, are a traditional Chinese egg product made primarily from duck or chicken eggs using a special curing process.

During the curing process, materials such as lime, sodium carbonate, and salt are used. After a period of time, the egg whites and yolks undergo remarkable transformations. The whites turn a deep brown color with a smooth, gelatinous texture, and some century eggs even develop beautiful patterns resembling "pine flowers," which is how they got the name "松花蛋" (pine flower eggs). The yolk changes from its original bright yellow to a dark green color, offering a rich, alkaline flavor along with a unique egg aroma.

Are Chinese century eggs healthy?

From a nutritional standpoint, century eggs are rich in protein, making them a beneficial source of nutrients. However, they do contain some alkaline components, which may irritate the stomach if consumed in excess, particularly for those with sensitive digestive systems.

During the production process, materials like lime and sodium carbonate are used, which can lead to trace amounts of lead in the eggs. Fortunately, most commercially produced century eggs are now lead-free, as the manufacturing methods have been improved to ensure that lead levels meet safety standards, so there’s no need to worry excessively.

As long as they are eaten in moderation and purchased from reputable sources, century eggs can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. They can definitely make a flavorful and healthy dish for your table!

Tips for Success

Choosing Quality Century Eggs: Select fresh, odorless century eggs with intact shells for the best texture in your cold dish.

Proper Shelling: Soak the century eggs in hot water for a few minutes to help separate the shell from the egg white, making peeling easier and preventing breakage.

Cutting with Precision: After peeling, cut the century eggs into quarters or sixths to showcase their beautiful patterns, enhancing visual appeal and appetite.

Balancing Flavors: Be mindful of the seasoning; the ratio of vinegar to soy sauce should be just right to avoid an overly sour or salty dish.

Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the century eggs with the seasonings for a while before serving. Using fresh minced garlic and ginger can also elevate the aroma of the cold century eggs.