Selecting good quality duck eggs
The first step in making salted duck eggs is to select fresh, uncracked and good quality duck eggs. An undamaged shell ensures a tight seal during the curing process and prevents bacteria from invading and causing spoilage.
Cleaning and sterilizing
Before pickling, duck eggs need to be thoroughly cleaned. Rinse the surface of the eggshell with water to remove stains and bacteria. Then, wipe the eggshells with a clean cloth or paper towel to drain the water.
Preparing brine
The concentration of brine is a key factor in the quality of salted duck eggs. In general, add 100 grams of salt for every 500 grams of water. Dissolve the salt in the water and stir well.
Soaking and salting
Put the cleaned duck eggs into the brine, making sure they are completely submerged. Press down on the duck eggs with a heavy object to prevent them from rising to the surface. The curing time depends on the size of the eggs, usually 20-30 days. During this time, change the brine every few days to keep the salt continuously infused.
Drying for preservation
After the pickling is done, remove the duck eggs and drain them. Dry them in a ventilated and cool place for 5-7 days to dry the surface of the eggshell. After that, wrap the duck eggs with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
Taste the flavor
After drying, salted duck eggs are cooked for a period of time, which gives them a better flavor. Before serving, peel the shells off, the golden yolk of the egg is oily and fragrant. It can be served with congee, noodles or eaten directly, with a mellow savory taste in every bite.
Tips:
Use a container with a lid to keep it sealed.
If the marinating time is too short, the egg yolk will not be fully flavored and the taste will not be rich enough.
If marinated for too long, the yolks will harden and affect the flavor.
Avoid direct sunlight when storing to extend the shelf life.
Pickling practices may vary slightly from region to region, so adjust according to local customs.
Making salted duck eggs is a process that requires patience and care, but all the effort is worth it when you taste the delicious flavor of your own hand-pickled pickles.