HOT PLATES
WORTH THE EGG-CRUCIATING WAIT
While it might take a little longer than usual to prepare , the unassuming salted egg yolk dessert is well worth the wait .
The anticipation of having one of your favourite dishes arrive at the dining table can be quite excruciating . With every passing minute , images of the dish in all its tantilising glory begin to materialise in your mind . Your stomach rumbles for maybe the fourth time since you ’ ve placed your order ( you ’ ve lost count by now ), and you take a sip of your drink to help quell your growing hunger . But with the first bite , you ’ ll know it ’ s all been worth the wait – even more so when the dish comes brimming with salted egg yolk . The bright yellow egg yolk , known for its salty flavour and sandy texture , is often found coating our favourite crustacean dishes and lending a bit of flare to regular vegetables , like spinach , eggplant and pumpkin . Typically made from duck eggs that have been soaked in brine or wrapped with salted charcoal for up to eight weeks , the ingredient is familiar taste for Asians , giving a touch of indulgence to any meal . In traditional Chinese cuisine , the versatile ingredient is almost a staple condiment with congee , adding flavour to the otherwise bland porridge . Despite its track record , the salted egg yolk is set to make a comeback here , blazing a tempting new trail on the local dessert scene . While most of the new dessert creations have been inspired by Hong Kong ’ s Liu Sha
Bao ( steamed bun with salted egg yolk custard ), as well as the delectable mooncake that heralds the approaching Mid-Autumn Festival , salted egg yolk desserts have since come into its own , to become dubbed as the Asian equivalent of the salted caramel . However , instead of building on the essence of the dish , the ingredient has stepped up to now have desserts worked around it in order to complement the unique flavour and texture of the yolk . Taking things just a step further , the salted egg yolk has been transformed into a buttery blaze of decadence as it is immersed in tarts , cakes , and remarkably , macarons ; making it in every sense worth the excruciating wait .
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