Salted eggs made of duck eggs brined in a salt solution. Salty and savory, they're a delicious addition to salads and baked delicacies!
I know I promised you delicious recipes from my recent trip to the Philippines, but truth be told, I have squat. I had my camera but forgot to pack my tripod and the "vinyl" wood I use as a background.
Although I couldn't shoot any new recipes, I did learn something exciting during my vacation. HOW TO MAKE SALTED EGGS!
Salted eggs- the traditional method
Commercial salted eggs, or itlog na maalat, are made by "brining" fresh duck eggs in mud made of equal parts clay and salt moistened with water. The eggs are individually dipped in the mud bath to coat fully and are then allowed to cure for 15 to 18 days, depending on the eggs' size.
The special clay locally called putik sa punso, is actually ant or termite mounds.
The traditional way may sound like an interesting project, and albeit the resulting eggs are said to be better in taste and texture, I don't think I'd be messing around with anthills anytime soon.
So, friends, we'll be making itlog na maalat the easiest way. In fact, the procedure is so easy the most challenging part is waiting for the eggs to cure. Check out below our tips for success!
Helpful tips
- Check the eggs to make sure the shells are intact and have no cracks.
- Allow the brine to fully cool before adding the eggs lest they'll cook in the residual heat.
- Do not overpack the container to prevent breakage and make sure eggs are completely submerged in the solution.
- Weigh the eggs down by placing a small plate or a plastic bag filled with water on top to keep them from floating.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
How long to cure
- I usually cure my salted eggs for 18 to 21 days, but you can boil and test an egg at around two weeks to check for saltiness. Cure for a few more days if it's not salty enough.
- Alternatively, crack the egg to check the yolk. It should be firm and bright yellow. If the eggs are not ready, brine them for an additional week.
Plain or colored
The preserved eggs are also called itlog na pula in the Philippines, as they're commonly dyed red or deep fuchsia to help distinguish them from regular chicken or duck eggs.
If you prefer to dye the eggs for aesthetic purposes, submerge them in a mixture of 1 teaspoon red granna crystals dissolved in 4 cups of water for 1 minute after they're hardboiled. Another method is adding a few drops of red food color and a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to the boiling water used to cook the eggs.
Serving suggestions
Salted eggs are popular in the Philippines and are used in various recipes, such as in salads, steamed buns, and rice cakes, as well as in congees and other savory dishes.
More egg recipes
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, combine water and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and allow to fully cool.
- Place eggs in a large container. Add the brining solution, making sure the eggs are fully submerged.
- Weigh down with a small plate or a plastic bag filled with water.ย Cover and keep in a cool, dry place for about 18 to 21 days.
- Drain eggs from the solution.
- In a pot, place eggs and enough water to cover. Over medium heat, bring to a boil, uncovered, for about 20 to 25 minutes or until hard-boiled.ย
- Drain eggs and allow to cool. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Check the eggs to ensure the shells are intact and have no cracks.
- Allow the brine to fully cool before adding the eggs, lest they cook in the residual heat.
- Do not overpack the container to prevent breakage, and ensure eggs are completely submerged in the solution.
- Weigh the eggs down by placing a small plate or a plastic bag filled with water on top to keep them from floating.
- To dye the eggs, add a few drops of red food color and a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to the boiling water used to cook the eggs.
Video
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
NellyG says
I dont have any sea salt available in my pantry and used iodized salt instead, HELP! I just went and take a look on comment section and does the iodized salt really made the eggs turned out oily? Why? I really want to have salted eggs with tomatoes!
Jude tejada says
I tried duck eggs to salt but after 17days i tried to cook over 30mins i open the egg but not oily or no oil inside inside whats my wrong? Help me pls
Ed says
Hi, i tried cooking the eggs (chicken egg) for 15mins, another batch 45min and third batch 1hr - but the egg white are all soft and even seem like it is still raw. How long do we have to cook the salted chicken eggs to achieve the right texture of the egg whites, the egg yolks seem all good in the 3batches of cooking i did. Thanks.
Priya says
When we are put in salt water and keep in 21 days without boil egg? Then after 21days egg boil with salt or not?
April Dix says
Hi po. Kailangan po ba tlagang i boil umh eggs after the soaking process? Thanks po
ong nicole says
If I use Chicken eggs how many days must I reduce the brinning time?
Are white or Brown chiicken eggs more resistant to cracking?
Tks
Lalaine Manalo says
The brining time should be the same. ๐ I am sorry but I haven't tried this with brown eggs so I wouldn't know ๐
Espie says
Okay po bang mag cure ng egg sa plastic container if not available ang glass jar?
JOSEPH GOZUM says
Yes the brown eggshell is more harder than white eggshell.
lynndee borman says
I have jumbo Peking ducks I raise. A friend would like to make the salted eggs and is concerned that because my eggs are fertilized it would possible develope the embryo over time, and doesn't want any surprises at 21days?. My thought is it would not develop? I have been searching internet, and not successful to find answer.
Anne says
Hi there, a question please. My container can only hold 5 eggs at 1 time. Can you teach me how to reduce the ratio of water and salt proportion please? Thanks:)
rafael says
can i use ordinary eggs that are available from the supermarket or do i need eggs that are fertilized ( may semilya)?
Lalaine says
I use regular duck eggs ๐
Rosalina Brooks says
I have done it with regular grocery store eggs and it works well, too:)
crsanta pagaduan says
can i use plastic container.
Lalaine says
Yes, you can ๐
Ludy says
Can i store it in the fridge for 21 days
Malou says
Can i use my first salt and water solution for my next batch of salted egg
Lalaine says
Hi Malou,
I wouldn't recommend reusing the brine because of food safety. I recommend using a fresh solution since it's easy enough to do ๐
Stacey says
I never think that making salted eggs are that easy. Because of the black mud around commercial salted eggs, I think that they need special recipes. Now, I can make them myself! Thank you
Lalaine says
Yes, this method is a lot easier than the traditional mud. Enjoy!
Kent says
How about the pink/ purple color?
Lalaine says
The tips on the post have suggestions on how to add color. ๐
Mamamia says
I had been making salted chicken in brine & I soaked it for 4 weeks & the yolks is firm n salted . At times I forget & left it for longer but the yolk became soft again. Can u advice why is that so?
Do I store uncook salted eggs in the , for how long?
Lalaine says
I think the brine breaks down the shell when you soak too long that's why the yolks become too soft? For food safety, I recommend cooking the salted eggs after you drain them from the solution and then store in the fridge.
Rosalie D. Sta. Maria says
Hello poh .. Just inquiring about sa dying ng egg. What is the proper procedure of using powdered salted egg food color. How many spoons of egg dye will I use? Thanks...
Micko adrias says
Kelangan po ba tlga pakuluan ung tubig pag hinaluan ng asin o pwde na pong hindi pakuluin kasi pino nman po ung asin na gagamitin ko at kayang tunawin khit hndi mainit na tubig.. Ask lang po kung may epekto po ba ung pagpapakulo sa resulta ng finish product.. Ty in advance
Lalaine says
I suggest boiling the water to ensure that the salt is completely dissolved. Also, I like that any possible impurities in the water has been "boiled" since the eggs will be sitting in the water for days.
Olive Blucher says
Can i use himalaya salt it's a bit pinkish will that affects the eggs?
anamarie Delos Reyes says
I think wala naman efficto kong hindi pakoloan ang porpuse lang naman kong bakit pinapakoloan to remove a bacteria from to brine iam not sure po.