Paprika Egg Custard Bloom
Paprika Egg Custard Bloom
Crafting a Blooming Paprika Egg Custard That Opens Like a Flower
A surprisingly easy and delicious Paprika Egg Custard. This visually appealing dish is simple to make and delightful to eat.
Ingredients- 2 Bell Peppers (choose colorful ones for extra visual appeal!)
- 3 Fresh Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (for enhanced flavor)
- 1/2 cup Water (approx. 100ml, for a smooth texture)
- Pinch of Salt (to taste)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and pat them dry. It’s also a good idea to let the eggs sit at room temperature for a bit to remove the chill.
Step 2
In a deep bowl, crack the 3 fresh eggs. Add 1 tablespoon of mirin to eliminate any eggy smell, 1/2 cup of water for a tender texture, a pinch of salt for seasoning, and a pinch of black pepper for aroma. Whisk everything together until well combined to create the egg mixture.
Step 3
For an exceptionally smooth and refined custard texture, strain the egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This step significantly enhances the final consistency of the steamed egg. (While optional, it’s highly recommended for the best results!)
Step 4
Carefully slice off the top of each bell pepper to create a lid. Then, remove all the seeds and the white pith from the inside, hollowing out the peppers to create natural cups for the egg mixture.
Step 5
Gently pour the prepared egg mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers. It’s crucial not to overfill them; fill them only about 70-80% full. Overfilling can cause the mixture to expand and spill over during cooking.
Step 6
Cover the top of each filled bell pepper tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure the wrap is secure, then use a fork or a skewer to poke several small holes all over the surface of the wrap. These perforations will allow steam to escape during the cooking process.
Step 7
Place the prepared paprika egg custards into the microwave and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your bell peppers, as well as your microwave’s power. Monitor the cooking progress and adjust the time as needed. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer; if it comes out clean, the custard is ready.
Step 8
Once removed from the microwave, the paprika egg custards will look wonderfully appetizing! Sometimes they might be cooked a little longer than expected, resulting in a softer paprika, but it blends beautifully with the steamed egg. Carefully slice and serve them on plates while still warm.
Step 9
For a decorative touch, I used ketchup to create a flower-like pattern on top, adding both color and a playful design. When serving, I paired it with pickled radish (mookimchi), and the combination of the soft, silky egg custard with the crunchy, tangy radish was truly delightful. Feel free to enjoy this dish with your favorite side dishes!
