Qi Cai Cao Dan

Qi Cai Cao Dan Recipe from Hong Kong with Eggs and Preserved Duck Egg

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Qi Cai Cao Dan is a traditional Chinese dish made with eggs, preserved duck eggs, salty duck eggs, tomatoes, and parsley. This dish is flavorful and nutritious, making it a popular choice for breakfast or lunch.

History

Qi Cai Cao Dan has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in the Guangdong province of China, where preserved duck eggs and salty duck eggs are commonly used in cooking. The combination of eggs and tomatoes creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

5 eggs
1 preserved duck egg
1 salty duck egg
2 tomatoes
2 stalks of chopped parsley

Seasoning

0.5 tbsp salt
1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp oil

How to prepare

Remove the dirt from the salty duck eggs, steam them with the shell until cooked, then remove the shell.
Chop the cooked salty egg into small dices, including both the white and yolk.
Remove the dirt from the preserved duck egg and shell, then chop it into small dices.
Clean the tomato, remove all the seeds, and chop it into small dices.
Heat a wok with 2 tbsp of oil, stir fry the tomato dices for 2 minutes.
Dish up the tomato with the sauce, add 2 tbsp of cornflour and stir well.
Remove the shell from the egg and whisk it. Add seasoning, all the dices, and tomato, then whisk again.
Heat a wok with 3 tbsp of oil, pour in the whisked and mixed egg.
Stir fry until cooked, then dish up and serve.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture.
Use different herbs or spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
Substitute the preserved duck eggs with regular eggs for a milder flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove all the seeds from the tomatoes before chopping them to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Whisk the eggs well before adding the seasoning and other ingredients to ensure a smooth and fluffy texture.

- Stir fry the eggs on high heat to prevent them from becoming too dry or overcooked.

- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Qi Cai Cao Dan can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful dish.

Cooking Techniques

Stir frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe. Be sure to cook the eggs on high heat and stir constantly to prevent them from sticking to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find preserved duck eggs or salty duck eggs, you can use regular eggs instead. You can also substitute the parsley with cilantro or green onions.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Qi Cai Cao Dan ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This dish is best served fresh, so it is recommended to cook it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Qi Cai Cao Dan can be served in a bowl or on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some soy sauce or chili oil on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Qi Cai Cao Dan pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of stir-fried vegetables. It can also be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Qi Cai Cao Dan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir fry the dish until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Qi Cai Cao Dan contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Qi Cai Cao Dan contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Qi Cai Cao Dan contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Qi Cai Cao Dan contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Qi Cai Cao Dan is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Qi Cai Cao Dan is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Qi Cai Cao Dan is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish made with eggs, preserved duck eggs, salty duck eggs, tomatoes, and parsley. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Qi Cai Cao Dan. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Shanghai. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had always encouraged me to experiment with different flavors and ingredients in the kitchen. One day, she brought home a new cookbook from the market, filled with traditional Chinese recipes that I had never seen before.

As I flipped through the pages, one recipe in particular caught my eye - Qi Cai Cao Dan, a colorful and flavorful dish made with a variety of vegetables and eggs. I was immediately intrigued and couldn't wait to try it out for myself. My grandmother smiled and encouraged me to give it a go, knowing that I had a passion for cooking just like she did.

I set out to gather the ingredients for the dish, carefully selecting the freshest vegetables from the market. I chose vibrant red bell peppers, crisp green beans, and juicy cherry tomatoes, along with fragrant garlic and ginger to add depth of flavor. I cracked open a dozen eggs, whisking them together with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of salt.

In a hot wok, I heated up some sesame oil and sautéed the garlic and ginger until they were fragrant. Then, I added in the vegetables, stirring them around until they were just tender. I poured in the beaten eggs, watching as they began to set and form a beautiful, colorful omelette.

As the dish cooked, the aroma of the garlic and ginger filled the air, mingling with the fresh vegetables and eggs. I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When the Qi Cai Cao Dan was done, I scooped it onto a plate and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the vegetables, the richness of the eggs, and the subtle heat from the garlic and ginger.

I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. This dish was not just a simple omelette - it was a celebration of flavors and textures, a reflection of the vibrant and diverse cuisine of China. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, to see their faces light up with joy and surprise at the delicious dish I had created.

From that day on, Qi Cai Cao Dan became a staple in our household. I made it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, experimenting with different combinations of vegetables and seasonings. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the traditions she had passed down to me.

Years went by, and I continued to perfect my recipe for Qi Cai Cao Dan. I shared it with neighbors and colleagues, who marveled at the colors and flavors of the dish. They asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious omelette, and I proudly told them the story of how I had discovered the recipe in my grandmother's cookbook all those years ago.

To this day, Qi Cai Cao Dan remains one of my favorite dishes to cook. It reminds me of the joy of discovery, the thrill of experimentation, and the love and passion that I put into every meal I create. I am grateful to my grandmother for instilling in me a love of cooking and a curiosity for new flavors and ingredients. And I know that she would be proud to see how far I have come in my culinary journey, all thanks to a simple omelette recipe that captured my heart and taste buds from the very first bite.