Savory Beef and Tofu Egg Custard (Chawanmushi)
Picture a delicate, silky-smooth egg custard, infused with the savory umami of beef and tofu, steamed to ethereal perfection The surface glistens invitingly, revealing glimpses of tender beef and creamy tofu nestled within This Japanese-inspired dish is a testament to the art of simplicity and subtlety, where each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors A gentle aroma of dashi and soy sauce wafts from the bowl, enticing you to take a spoonful The texture is incredibly light and airy, melting in your mouth with a lingering savory sweetness It's a comforting and elegant dish, perfect as a light lunch, a sophisticated appetizer, or a soothing late-night snack
Ingredients
- •4 oz Ground beef
- •4 oz Silken tofu, cubed
- •1/4 Onion, finely chopped
- •2 large Eggs
- •1 cup Dashi broth (or chicken broth)
- •1 tbsp Soy sauce
- •1 tsp Mirin (or sweet sherry)
- •1/4 tsp Salt
- •Optional: Green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
- •Optional: Soy sauce, for serving
- •Optional: Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
Dietary Info
Instructions
- 1
In a small saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat Drain off any excess fat Add chopped onion and cook until softened
- 2
Stir in the soy sauce and mirin Cook for 1 minute and set aside
- 3
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, dashi broth, and salt until smooth
- 4
Strain the egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps This will ensure a perfectly smooth custard
- 5
Divide the cooked beef and tofu between two heat-proof bowls or ramekins Add optional shiitake mushrooms
- 6
Pour the egg mixture over the beef and tofu in each bowl
- 7
Cover each bowl with aluminum foil or a lid
- 8
Place the bowls in a steamer basket or on a rack in a pot with simmering water The water level should be about halfway up the sides of the bowls
- 9
Steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center To test, insert a toothpick near the center; it should come out clean
- 10
Remove the bowls from the steamer and let cool slightly before serving Garnish with green onion and serve with a drizzle of soy sauce, if desired
Cook This with Sous
Get recipes like this from ingredients you already have. Free to download.
