Umami GuruRecipes

Nishiki tamago (錦玉子)

Japan

Nishiki tamago

Traditional Japanese sweets – a delicate roll made from mashed egg whites, wrapped in a yolk layer. Served on the New Year's table as a symbol of financial prosperity.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Nishiki tamago step 1

    Place the eggs in a pot, cover them with water so that the water completely covers the eggs, add 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–11 minutes. Cool the eggs in cold water.

  2. Nishiki tamago step 2

    Peel the eggs and let them dry in a colander.

  3. Lightly score the whites and remove the yolks. Rinse any remaining yolk from the whites, and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

  4. Nishiki tamago step 4

    Add 35 g of sugar to the mashed yolks and gently mix. Add 25 g of sugar and a pinch of salt to the mashed whites, and mix as well.

  5. On a clean kitchen towel spread the mashed whites and shape them into a "sausage" about 12 cm long. Leave it in the towel so excess moisture evaporates.

  6. Nishiki tamago step 6

    On the center of a 25×25 cm cling film place the mashed yolks, spreading them into a square. Place the white sausage in the middle of the yolk square, lift the edges of the film and wrap the yolks around the whites to form a roll. Tightly wrap the roll in the film and steam it over medium heat.

  7. Nishiki tamago step 7

    When done, remove the roll, peel off the film, let excess moisture evaporate, cool, and slice into circles about 1 cm thick.