Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (2024)

Published: · Updated: by Wei Guo · 6 Comments

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Have you ever tasted century eggs? Read this post which dispels the myths and learn a classic salad recipe that showcases this delicacy.

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (1)

Although a delicacy loved by Chinese for hundreds of years, century eggs, for those who aren’t familiar with them, is considered a mysterious, questionable food item that takes some courage to try. Before talking about today’s century egg salad recipe, let me first explain some of the facts that you might find interesting.

What are century eggs?

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (2)

Are century eggs a hundred years old?

Although called century egg, hundred-year egg or thousand-year egg in English, its Chinese names, such as Pi Dan (皮蛋), Bian Dan (变蛋), Song Hua Dan (松花蛋), etc., don’t indicate time, year or age.

I have no idea where those English names come from, but they’re surely responsible for the misconception of century eggs being exceptionally old. In fact, it takes only a few weeks to produce them from scratch.

How are century eggs made?

The most common type of century eggs are made from duck eggs. However, other types, such as chicken eggs, goose eggs and quail eggs can be preserved the same way.

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (3)

The traditional method involves the following procedure (I used to watch my mum preparing them when I was a child):

  • Mixture clay, ash, salt, quicklime and water.
  • Apply a thick layer of the mixture to cover raw eggs completely.
  • Roll the eggs in grain husks to prevent them from sticking to each other.
  • Store in an airtight container. Leave to preserve in a dark, dry place for several weeks until the egg white and yolk solidifies.

Modern mass production methods use a liquid solution to speed up the process. But the end result is very similar.

What do they look & taste like?

During the curing process, the pH of the egg raises gradually. According to Wikipedia, “This chemical process breaks down some of the complex, flavourless proteins and fats, which produces a variety of smaller flavourful compounds.

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (4)

Eventually, the egg white turns into a dark amber, translucent jelly, whereas the yolk gains a greyish green colour and a soft, creamy texture (sometimes runny and gooey in the middle). Another interesting feature is the pine branch (or snowflake) pattern on the surface of the egg white (You might see century eggs with a yellow appearance. They are preserved chicken eggs rather than duck eggs).

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (5)

There is no doubt that century eggs are an acquired taste (like many other sophisticated delicacies). While the egg white offers a mild flavour, the yolk tastes like rich, mature cheese with a hint of ammonia.

Do you need to cook century eggs?

The curing process makes century eggs edible as it is. So no further preparation is required. You can peel them and use directly in salad dishes like today’s recipe. Also, they can be found in cooked dishes, such as in Cantonese style congee (rice porridge) or stir-fries.

Where can I find century eggs?

Century eggs are commonly available in Chinese stores, usually in the chilled section. You might find them covered with a brown mixture of clay and grain husks, or just like regular duck eggs with a slightly darker shell. Check carefully to avoid the ones with cracked shells.

A combination of two classic salads

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (6)

Today’s recipe is a combination of two classic century egg salads that I really adore. One is served with roasted pepper (Shao Jiao Pi Dan/烧椒皮蛋), whereas the other is made with silken tofu (Pi Dan Dou Fu皮蛋豆腐). I combine both of these elements with century egg and serve the dish with a Sichuan style dressing.

Slice the eggs into wedges

As I mentioned earlier, century eggs are ready to eat so no cooking is required. Simply peel off the shell and rinse briefly under running water. Cut it into equal-sized wedges. Sometimes the yolk can be gooey thus sticks to the knife easily. In this case, wet the knife a little beforehand.

Roast the pepper

Roasted pepper adds a pleasantly smoky flavour to the dish. You can produce it using any of the following methods:

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (7)
  • Roast it in an empty pan/wok over high heat (Do not use non-stick cookware)
  • Roast it directly over a gas burner or on a grill pan
  • Roast it in the oven at 400°F/200 °C

Depending on the size of your pepper and the method, the roasting time varies. It’s ready when you notice the skin becomes wrinkly, black charred spots appears and the flesh yields easily when squeezed. Use a spoon to scrape off the skin then cut the flesh into thin strips.

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (8)

I use the first method since Chinese home cooks tend to handle most tasks with one single wok. Food blogger Tori Avey has a great guide on how to roast peppers using the other two methods.

Use the softest type of tofu

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (9)

Choose the softest type of tofu that’s nice to eat without further preparation. I like the Japanese style silken tofu (Juan Dou Fu/绢豆腐) which almost melts in your mouth. As it’s very fragile, handle gently when slicing. An alternative way is to put a whole block of tofu onto the serving plate, then use a spoon to break it into bite-sized pieces.

Make a tasty dressing

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After placing three main ingredients on a serving plate, you can start making the simple dressing which elevates the overall flavour of the dish.

The first step is to pour hot oil over aromatics (minced ginger and garlic) and spices (chili flakes, ground Sichuan pepper) to effectively release their aroma. Then add light soy sauce and black rice vinegar.

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If you’re not up to spicy flavour, make an alternative dressing using just three ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil and salt.

Try century egg in congee

Another classic way to enjoy century egg is to add it to Cantonese style congee. You can follow my Easy 15-min Chicken Congee recipe and put in chopped century egg along with the meat.

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (13)

Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋)

A classic Chinese salad combining century eggs, tofu and roasted pepper. The flavourful dressing can also be used in other dishes.

Author: Wei Guo

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Chinese

Prep: 4 minutes minutes

Cook: 6 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 sweet pointed pepper - see note 1
  • 3 century eggs
  • 100 g silken tofu - see note 2
  • 1 stalk scallions, finely chopped

For the sauce

  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tablespoon chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon ground Sichuan pepper - see note 3
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • tablespoon light soy sauce
  • tablespoon black rice vinegar

5 Secrets of Authentic Chinese CookingGet the guide for FREE

Instructions

  • Roast pepper in an empty pan/wok (Do not use non-stick cookware) over high heat. Flip from time to time until the skin wrinkles and charred spots appear (see note 4 for alternative methods). Scrape off the skin with a spoon. Slice the flesh of the pepper into thin strips.

  • Peel century eggs then rinse briefly under running water. Cut into wedges. Place on a serving plate.

  • Slice silken tofu into chunks then add to the plate. Top it with the pepper and scallions.

  • Put ginger, garlic, chili flakes, Sichuan pepper in a bowl. Heat up oil then pour it over the spices. Add light soy sauce and black rice vinegar. Mix well.

  • Pour the sauce over the egg, tofu and pepper. Serve as a salad for a multi-course meal with plain steamed rice.

NOTES

1. I use sweet pointed red peppers for this recipe. You may choose other types if you wish.

2. Silken tofu (Juan Dou Fu/绢豆腐) has a high water content thus it’s very fragile. Handle gently.

3. You may use shop-bought Sichuan pepper powder. However, if time permits, I recommend that you make freshly ground Sichuan pepper which tastes much better.

4. You may also roast the pepper over a burner or in the oven.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 191 kcal

Cooked this recipe?Show me your dish or ask me questions @red.house.spice

NUTRITION DISCLOSURE: Nutritional information on this website is provided as a courtesy to readers. It should be considered estimates. Please use your own brand nutritional values or your preferred nutrition calculator to double check against our estimates.

If you haven’t tasted century eggs before, I hope you find this post inspiring and give it a try!

More Egg

  • Chinese Tea Eggs (茶叶蛋)
  • Tomato Egg Stir-Fry (番茄炒蛋)
  • Egg Drop Soup, the Classic Version (蛋花汤)
  • Egg Foo Young (Chinese Omelette, 芙蓉蛋)

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  1. Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (18)Melissa says

    These look very interesting. I found your site while trying to learn more about century eggs and more specifically what they taste like! I had to mention that in the photo of the egg sliced in half it looks like a duck silhouette in the yolk!

    Reply

    • Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (19)Wei Guo says

      You’re very observant Melissa. I did see the duck in the yolk!

      Reply

  2. Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (20)Ian Helyar says

    I used to buy pi dan in China, with my friends. They were so popular I’d have to fight for my share 非常好吃!

    Reply

    • Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (21)Wei Guo says

      Haha! I used to fight for my share with my brother. Yes, they’re delicious!

      Reply

  3. Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (22)Shai says

    Hi, this sounds lovely. I love century eggs. Two questions:
    1. Is there an exact (and simple) recipe for making my own century eggs?
    2. Are century eggs safe for dogs? I get both duck and chicken century eggs from the shop near us.

    Reply

    • Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋) (23)Wei @ Red House Spice says

      Hi Shai! I haven’t tried making century eggs from scratch myself so I’m not able to provide you a recipe for the moment. And I have no idea if they are safe for dogs. Sorry that I’m not helpful on these matters.

      Reply

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