Chinese Steamed Eggs Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious

Chinese steamed eggs are a beloved comfort food, cherished for their silky texture and delicate flavor. This dish, traditionally made with eggs and broth, can easily be adapted into a vegetarian delight, perfect for those seeking a nourishing and simple meal.

The magic lies in the gentle steaming process, which transforms the beaten eggs into a smooth, custard-like dish that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a light breakfast, a side dish, or a wholesome snack, this vegetarian Chinese steamed eggs recipe will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.

In this recipe, we’ll use plant-based ingredients like vegetable broth and tofu to enhance the flavor and texture without compromising the dish’s essence. You’ll learn how to master the technique of steaming eggs to achieve that perfect consistency every single time.

Plus, we’ll explore some variations and tips to customize this dish to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian version of Chinese steamed eggs is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s a dish that balances nutrition and taste beautifully, offering a high-protein, low-fat option suitable for vegetarians and even those following gluten-free diets.

The smooth, velvety texture is comforting and satisfying, making it a great alternative to heavier meals. Because it’s so mild, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes or can be spruced up with your favorite toppings.

This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping since it reheats well and retains its delightful texture.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons silken tofu (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 1 small carrot, finely diced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Fine mesh strainer
• Steamer or steaming rack
• Heatproof shallow dish or bowl (about 6-inch diameter and 1.5-inch depth)
• Large pot or wok with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the eggs: Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Use a whisk or fork to beat them gently until the yolks and whites are fully combined but avoid creating too many bubbles.
2. Mix with broth: Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper to the eggs. If you want extra creaminess, blend in the silken tofu until smooth. Mix thoroughly but gently.
3. Strain the mixture: Pour the egg mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or directly into the steaming dish. This step ensures a silky texture by removing chalazae and bubbles.
4. Prepare the steaming setup: Fill the bottom of your pot or wok with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Place the steaming rack inside, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bowl when placed on the rack.
5. Steam the eggs: Cover the shallow dish with a plate or aluminum foil to prevent water droplets from falling onto the surface. Place it on the steaming rack. Cover the pot or wok with a lid, and steam for 12-15 minutes on low heat. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
6. Check for doneness: The eggs should be set but still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the dish. Insert a toothpick or knife in the center; it should come out clean.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the steamed eggs carefully. Sprinkle diced carrots and sliced scallions on top. Add fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

“The key to perfect steamed eggs is controlling the heat and using a fine strainer to achieve that ultra-smooth texture.”

• For a vegan alternative: Replace eggs with a blend of silken tofu and chickpea flour or agar-agar for similar texture and protein.
• Add umami: Incorporate finely chopped shiitake mushrooms or a dash of mushroom soy sauce for depth of flavor.
• Herb infusion: Mix minced ginger or garlic into the egg mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Texture variation: Top with lightly sautéed vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• Steaming alternatives: If you don’t have a steamer, use a microwave-safe dish and steam gently in the microwave in short bursts, stirring carefully between.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese steamed eggs dish pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. For an extra burst of flavor, serve alongside stir-fried greens such as bok choy or gai lan.

You can also enjoy it as part of a dim sum spread, complemented by dishes like dumplings or vegetable spring rolls. For a refreshing contrast, try serving with a light cucumber salad or a tangy side like a Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

To explore other vegetarian-friendly dishes, you might find inspiration in the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or balance your meal with the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe (which could be adapted for plant-based eaters).

Conclusion

Chinese steamed eggs are a simple yet elegant dish that offers a unique combination of comfort and nourishment. This vegetarian recipe stays true to the traditional silky texture and subtle flavors while incorporating plant-based ingredients to suit modern dietary preferences.

The gentle steaming technique ensures that every bite melts in your mouth, making it perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re new to Chinese cuisine or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is accessible and adaptable. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and versatile.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs, toppings, or broths to make it your own. For more delicious and diverse recipes, check out our collection and discover new favorites.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chinese Steamed Eggs Vegetarian Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A silky smooth and savory steamed egg custard made with vegetable broth and mushrooms. This simple, comforting dish is perfect as a light meal or side.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “2 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 large eggs”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon white pepper”, “1 teaspoon soy sauce”, “1/4 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1 tablespoon chopped green onions”, “1/2 teaspoon grated ginger”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Beat eggs gently until combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Warm vegetable broth and mix with salt, white pepper, soy sauce, and grated ginger.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly add broth mixture into beaten eggs, stirring gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain the mixture into a heatproof bowl to remove lumps.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with chopped shiitake mushrooms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover bowl with plastic wrap or foil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam over low heat for 12-15 minutes until custard is set.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle sesame oil and sprinkle green onions before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “4 g”}}