Tiger Skin Eggs

These tiger skin eggs are hard-boiled eggs fried and coated with a shiny sauce made of oyster and soy sauce, along with aromatic star anise. This delectable dish, rich in cultural heritage, promises a symphony of tastes that captivate your palate. Discover the magic behind this timeless recipe and learn why it’s a must-try for every food enthusiast.

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Tiger Skin Egg

“Tiger skin egg” is a popular Chinese dish where hard-boiled eggs are fried until the outer surface becomes crispy and resembles the tiger skin pattern. The dish is known for its crunchy texture and savory flavor.

The exact origin of tiger skin eggs is not precisely documented, but they are believed to have originated in Sichuan province, known for its bold and spicy cuisine. The dish is commonly associated with Sichuan cuisine because it uses spicy seasonings like chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tiger skin eggs are often served as an appetizer or snack in Chinese cuisine, especially in restaurants specializing in Sichuan dishes. They are enjoyed for their unique texture and bold flavor profile, making them popular among those who appreciate spicy and savory foods.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion– The dish combines a harmonious blend of sweet, savory flavors. The eggs absorb the essence of the braising liquid, creating a creamy, sweet, and salty sauce.
• Chewy Texture– the hard-boiled eggs were fried until golden. This process creates a chewy texture to the egg.
• Customizable: You can add any flavor to the sauce according to your liking! You can make it spicy, sweet, and saltier—your choice.

Tiger Skin Eggs Ingredients ( Some Ingredients are not Pictured)

• Soy Sauce– Adds depth and a rich, salty flavor to the dish.
• Star Anise-It infuses a subtle licorice aroma, enhancing the overall fragrance.
• Rock Sugar-It provides a gentle sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
• Ginger and Garlic-Elevates the flavor profile with aromatic undertones.
• Green Onions-Imparts a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Hard Boiled eggs

Make the Tiger Skin Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are typically peeled and then deep-fried or pan-fried until the outer layer turns crispy and golden brown to make tiger skin eggs. The fried eggs are then tossed in a mixture of spices, such as chili powder, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and sometimes sugar, to enhance the flavor. The result is a dish with a crunchy exterior reminiscent of tiger skin and a rich, savory taste.

Making tiger eggs is simple. However, I must warn you that the oil may splatter upon frying. If you are concerned about the splatter, you can skip the frying process and go ahead and cook the hard-boiled eggs with the sauce.

• Peel and remove the shells on the boiled eggs. Using a knife, make minor cuts around the egg.
• Heat cooking oil in the pan and fry the eggs until brown. Transfer the eggs to the plate.
• Using the same pan, saute’ the garlic and onion. Add the rock sugar and let it melt. Add the sauce, star anise, and water. Let the mixture simmer on low heat. Add the prepared eggs and let the sauce braise the egg. Cook until the egg is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Tips

• Start with Hard-Boiled Eggs: Ensure your eggs are hard-boiled before frying them. This ensures that the yolk is fully cooked and the egg holds its shape during frying.

• Carefully: Peel the hard-boiled eggs carefully to avoid damaging the egg white. It’s important to have smooth, intact surfaces for frying.

• Pat Dry: Pat the peeled eggs dry with a paper towel before frying. Excess moisture on the surface of the eggs can cause splattering when frying.

• Choose the Right Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without burning the eggs.

• Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the eggs in hot oil until the outer layer turns golden brown and crispy. This usually takes a few minutes on each side.

• Use Spices and Seasonings: Toss the fried eggs in a mixture of spices and seasonings to enhance their flavor. Traditional seasonings for tiger skin eggs include chili powder, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and sometimes sugar for a hint of sweetness.

• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the level of spiciness according to your preference. You can adjust the amount of chili powder and Sichuan peppercorns to make the dish milder or spicier.

• Serve Hot: Tiger skin eggs are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the frying pan. Serve them as an appetizer or snack, either on their own or with a dipping sauce.

• Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your unique twist on tiger skin eggs. You can also try variations like adding garlic, ginger, or other flavorings to the seasoning mixture.

• Enjoy! Once your tiger skin eggs are ready, savor the crispy texture and flavorful seasoning as you enjoy this delicious Chinese snack!

 

How to Store

• Refrigeration– Transfer any leftover braised eggs to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
• Freezing (Optional)-While eggs can be frozen, the texture may slightly change upon thawing. If freezing, place the eggs in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and use within 1-2 months for optimal quality.
• Reheating-Gently reheat refrigerated or frozen braised eggs in a covered pan on low heat. This helps to retain the original flavors and textures.