Century Egg with Silken Tofu
Century eggs, with their deep umami flavour and rich, jelly-like texture, are a true delicacy in Chinese cuisine.
While their bold taste might be an acquired one, they pair beautifully with mild ingredients like silken tofu, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
This chilled tofu and century egg dish is easy to make and incredibly refreshing - especially on warm days.
Whether you're new to century eggs or a longtime fan, this simple yet satisfying dish is worth trying!
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About this recipe
What Are Century Eggs?
Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs or thousand-year eggs, are a traditional Chinese delicacy made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, and quicklime for several weeks to months.
This process transforms the egg, giving the yolk a rich, creamy consistency and a deep umami flavour, while the whites take on a smooth, jelly-like texture.
Their bold taste is often compared to blue cheese - intense, funky, and slightly pungent, making them an acquired taste for some but a delicacy for many.
A Traditional Pairing: Why It Works
Since century eggs have such a strong, savoury flavour, they pair best with something mild to create balance.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy them is with silken tofu, a soft, delicate ingredient that enhances the eggs' rich umami without overpowering them.
The combination of creamy century egg yolk, silky tofu, and a simple but flavour-packed sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying yet light.
It’s a staple in Chinese households and a perfect appetiser or side dish, especially in warm weather.
Why You'll Love This Dish
- Refreshing & Light – Served chilled, it’s perfect for summer or as a cool appetiser.
- Quick & Easy – No cooking required! Just assemble and serve.
- Balanced Flavours – The mild tofu complements the rich, umami-packed century egg beautifully.
- Traditional & Authentic – A well-loved dish in Chinese cuisine, perfect for those looking to try something new.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 1 block silken tofu, chilled
- 1–2 century eggs, peeled and sliced
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1–2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Prepare the Silken Tofu
Carefully remove the silken tofu from its packaging and place it on a plate. Drain any excess liquid, and if needed, gently pat it with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
Be careful - silken tofu is very delicate! You can leave it whole or slice it into smaller pieces to help the sauce mix in better later.
2. Prepare the Century Eggs
Peel the century eggs and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Arrange them around or next to the tofu on the plate. Set aside.
3. Make the Aromatic Oil
In a small heatproof bowl, add the chopped spring onions, garlic, and chillies.
Heat the cooking oil in a small pan until it just starts to smoke, then carefully pour it over the aromatics. This instantly cooks them, releasing their fragrance. Give everything a quick stir.
4. Mix the Sauce
Add all the seasonings to the bowl with the aromatics and stir well to combine.
5. Assemble & Serv
Pour the aromatic sauce over the tofu and century eggs, ensuring everything is well coated. Serve immediately.
Optional: For extra texture and flavour, sprinkle with fried shallots and fresh coriander before serving. Enjoy!
FAQs
1. What do century eggs taste like?
Century eggs have a bold, savoury, and slightly pungent flavour with a rich umami depth.
The yolk is creamy and intense, while the white has a smooth, jelly-like texture with a milder taste.
2. Do century eggs really take 100 years to make?
No! Despite the name, they are typically preserved for a few weeks to a few months, not centuries.
The term "century egg" is just a name that emphasises the traditional preservation method.
3. Where can I buy century eggs?
Century eggs are available at most Asian grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated section or near other preserved foods.
4. How should I store century eggs?
Unpeeled century eggs can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Once peeled, they should be kept in the fridge and consumed within a few days.
5. What are other ways to eat century eggs?
Aside from pairing them with silken tofu, century eggs are commonly chopped into congee, served with pickled ginger, or used in Chinese stir-fries and cold appetisers.
Video demonstration
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