🌿 proteinsEasy to use
Century Egg
China — century eggs (皮蛋, pídàn) have been made in China for over 600 years. Despite the name, they're cured for weeks to months, not 100 years.Available year-roundComplex, strongly savory, pungent
Did You Know?
Century eggs are made by a chemical process — the alkaline clay mixture raises the pH of the egg to 9–12, which denatures the proteins and transforms them into their characteristic dark, jelly-like form.
Overview
China — century eggs (皮蛋 · Available year-round · proteins
A Chinese preserved egg made by curing duck, chicken, or quail eggs in clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw for weeks to months. Has a translucent, dark gel-like white and creamy, savory yolk.
China — century eggs (皮蛋
Origin
Available year-round
Season
Easy
Difficulty
proteins
Category
Flavor Profile
Complexstrongly savorypungentand slightly ammonia-like with a creamyrich yolk. Acquired taste but deeply appreciated in Chinese cuisine.
Storage Tips
Unpeeled: room temperature up to 1 month, refrigerate up to 3 months. Once peeled: refrigerate up to 10 days.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Century Egg
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Eat directly — just peel, rinse, and quarter. Serve with pickled ginger and soy sauce. Use in congee, tofu dishes, and as an appetizer. Pair with fresh silken tofu for balance.
Best Pairings
congeetofupickled gingersoy saucesesame oilchili oilscallionscucumber
Substitutes
Hard-boiled eggs with soy sauce and vinegar for a mild approximation; no true substitute for the unique flavor.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Century Egg
Nutrition Highlights
fat
9.8
carbs
4.3
fiber
0
protein
9
calories
135
Quick Facts
Categoryproteins
OriginChina — century eggs (皮蛋, pídàn) have been made in China for over 600 years. Despite the name, they're cured for weeks to months, not 100 years.
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Good source of protein and B vitamins. High in sodium due to the curing process. Contains some minerals from the clay curing.
Century Egg Photos
5 photos showcasing Century Egg in its many forms
🌿
Century Egg
proteins
OriginChina — century eggs (皮蛋
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Complexstrongly savorypungentand slightly ammonia-like with a creamyrich yolk. Acquired taste but deeply appreciated in Chinese cuisine.
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Pairs Well With
congeetofupickled gingersoy saucesesame oilchili oilscallionscucumber
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