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Century Eggs, the Myths and Recipe (Pi Dan, 皮蛋)
5 from 28 votes

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

Century Eggs, also known as Pi Dan, are served peeled and sliced, paired with tender silken tofu, roasted sweet pointed peppers, and a savory sauce made from minced ginger, garlic, chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorn, soy sauce, and black rice vinegar. This salad-style dish showcases the unique texture and flavor contrast between the creamy tofu, pungent preserved eggs, and aromatic sauce, ideal for a multi-course meal alongside steamed rice.

Prep Time
4 mins
Cook Time
6 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 191 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1 sweet pointed pepper see note 1
  • 3 century eggs
  • 100 g silken tofu see note 2
  • 1 talk scallions finely chopped
For the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tablespoon chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn see note 3, ground
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1½ tablespoon soy sauce light
  • 1½ tablespoon black rice vinegar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Peel century eggs then rinse briefly under running water. Cut into wedges. Place on a serving plate.
  3. Slice silken tofu into chunks then add to the plate. Top it with the pepper and scallions.
  4. 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.
  5. Pour the sauce over the egg, tofu and pepper. Serve as a salad for a multi-course meal with plain steamed rice.

Notes

  • Use sweet pointed red peppers for roasting, or substitute with another pepper of choice.
  • Handle silken tofu gently due to its high water content and delicate texture.
  • Freshly grind Sichuan peppercorns for better aroma if time allows, or use store-bought powder.
  • Peppers can be roasted over a burner, in a wok, or in the oven as alternatives.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 191kcal (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 191

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 191kcal 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.