Japanese > Appetizer > Chawanmushi

Chawanmushi with Lobster and Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lobster tails, cooked and chopped
- 6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups dashi broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped scallions, for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- 4 chawanmushi cups or ramekins
- Steamer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, and salt.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
3. Divide the chopped lobster and sliced shiitake mushrooms evenly among the chawanmushi cups or ramekins.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the lobster and mushrooms, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5. Cover each cup with foil.
6. Place the cups in a steamer and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set.
7. Remove the cups from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Steaming temperature: 180°C/350°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sodium: 780mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of lobster, you can use shrimp or crab meat.
- Instead of shiitake mushrooms, you can use other types of mushrooms, such as enoki or oyster mushrooms.
- Instead of dashi broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth.

Variations:
- Add some diced tofu or edamame to the custard mixture for extra protein.
- Use different types of seafood, such as scallops or clams.
- Add some grated ginger or garlic to the custard mixture for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to strain the custard mixture to remove any lumps for a smooth texture.
- Cover the cups with foil to prevent water from getting into the custard during steaming.
- To check if the custard is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the custard. If it comes out clean, the custard is done.

Storage instructions:
Chawanmushi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam the cups for a few minutes until heated through.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, steam the cups for a few minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the chawanmushi in the cups or ramekins they were cooked in for an elegant presentation.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped scallions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed rice and a simple green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Green salad
- Miso soup

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the custard is too watery, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
- If the custard is too firm, decrease the cooking time by a few minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the seafood and eggs thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before consuming.

Food history:
Chawanmushi is a traditional Japanese dish that translates to "steamed in a tea cup". It is typically made with eggs, dashi broth, and various ingredients such as seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables.

Flavor profiles:
Chawanmushi has a delicate and savory flavor, with a silky smooth texture.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the chawanmushi as an appetizer or a light meal.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Rich, Creamy, Lobster, Lobster-Y