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Pidan (皮蛋)

China

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Century Egg (Pidan) dish, Ghibli-style illustration, anime food art

Classic Chinese salad of century eggs, silken tofu and fried sweet pepper. Aromatic dressing of ginger, garlic and spices gives the dish a bright flavor and can be used in other dishes.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Pidan recipe step, Ghibli-style illustration of bell peppers frying

    Stir-fry the sweet pepper in a dry pan over high heat, turning it periodically until the skin wrinkles and charred spots appear. Remove the skin with a spoon and slice the flesh into thin strips.

  2. Century Egg (Pidan) preparation step: anime illustration of slicing the egg for serving

    Remove the century eggs, quickly rinse them under running water and slice into wedges. Place on a serving plate.

  3. Ghibli-style illustration of a Pidan recipe step: slicing tofu, adding to eggs, with peppers and onions on a plate. Anime cooking art.

    Dice the silken tofu into cubes, add it to the eggs on the plate. Top with the fried pepper and finely chopped green onion.

  4. Chinese Pidan dish: spice mixing, Ghibli anime illustration

    Combine ginger, garlic, ground chili and ground Sichuan pepper in a bowl. Heat the neutral oil and pour it into the bowl with the spices. Add light soy sauce and black rice vinegar, mix well – you’ll get an aromatic dressing.

  5. Ghibli-style anime illustration of Chinese Pidan dish preparation, mixing ingredients

    Drizzle the prepared dressing over the eggs, tofu, and pepper. Serve the salad as part of a multi-course menu together with plain steamed rice.

FAQ

What is Pidan (Century Egg)?

Pidan, or century egg, is a Chinese delicacy made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for several weeks to several months.

How is Pidan typically served?

In this recipe, Pidan is served as a refreshing salad with silken tofu, fried sweet pepper, and an aromatic dressing of ginger, garlic, and spices.

Can I make Pidan at home?

While traditional Pidan preparation is complex, this recipe focuses on assembling a delicious dish using pre-prepared century eggs, making it accessible for home cooks.

What can I substitute for century eggs in this recipe?

Century eggs have a unique flavor profile. For a similar texture, you might try firm tofu, but the taste will be different. There isn't a direct substitute for the distinct flavor of Pidan.

How long does it take to prepare this Pidan salad?

This Pidan salad recipe takes approximately 27 minutes to prepare from start to finish.