Smoked salmon chawanmushi
Japanese 20 Mins Prep · 15 Mins Cook
- To make the shiitake dashi, steep the shiitake mushrooms and katsuobushi in boiling water for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, water and 1 teaspoon of soya sauce in the microwave, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the enoki mushrooms. Let them pickle for at least 15 minutes while preparing the chawanmushi.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and gently whisk until combined, avoiding air bubbles. Add the dashi, mirin, remaining soya sauce and salt to the eggs, whisking until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Prepare a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Fill with hot water up to halfway up the sides of the cups.
- Finely chop half the salmon and divide between 4 small heatproof cups. Pour the custard mixture over, filling each cup approx. ¾ of the way full. Cover with lids or foil. Bring the water to a gentle simmer (80°C–90°C, not boiling) and place the cups inside. Steam over a low heat for 10-15 minutes or until set. To check for doneness, insert a skewer in the centre of each cup. If clear liquid comes out, it’s ready. Once the custard is set, gently arrange the smoked salmon ribbons on top.
- Drain the pickled enoki and place a few on each custard. Finely chop the chives and sprinkle over the tops.
- Serve the chawanmushi while warm.
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