Salted egg yolk sauce! The name alone evokes a sense of rich, savory indulgence, doesn’t it? Originating in Southeast Asia, this sauce has taken the culinary world by storm, and for a good reason. It’s a symphony of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet notes, all thanks to the star ingredient – salted duck egg yolks. This luxurious sauce, with its vibrant golden hue, is incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with seafood, vegetables, and even fried snacks.
Today, I’m going to guide you through the steps of making your own salted egg yolk sauce at home. Trust me, it’s easier than you think! And once you’ve tasted the magic of this homemade version, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind again.
What You’ll Need to Make the Best Salted Egg Yolk Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 large salted duck egg yolks, cooked and mashed (choose bright orange yolks for the best flavor and color)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for a more pronounced umami flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper powder
- Chopped cilantro or spring onions for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes:
- Salted Duck Eggs: Salted duck eggs are readily available in Asian grocery stores. Look for eggs that are firm and heavy, with bright orange yolks. If you can’t find duck eggs, you can use chicken eggs, but the flavor will be milder.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Evaporated Milk: This adds richness and creaminess. You can substitute it with heavy cream or coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
- Fish Sauce: A little goes a long way! It adds a depth of umami, but feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan.
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Bowl (for steaming the eggs)
Let’s Make Salted Egg Yolk Sauce!
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Prepare the Egg Yolks: Gently steam the salted duck eggs for about 10 minutes until the yolks are cooked through. This will make them easier to mash. Once cooled, scoop out the yolks and mash them thoroughly using a fork.
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Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
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Incorporate the Egg Yolks: Add the mashed egg yolks to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Add Creaminess and Flavor: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, sugar, fish sauce (if using), and white pepper powder. Continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens. Don’t let it boil.
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Taste and Adjust: This is where your inner chef comes in! Have a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add a pinch more sugar for extra sweetness, fish sauce for umami, or even a touch of chili flakes for a hint of heat.
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Serve and Enjoy! Your homemade salted egg yolk sauce is ready! Drizzle it generously over your favorite dishes.
Tips for the Best Salted Egg Yolk Sauce
- For a smoother sauce, pass it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
- Don’t overcook the sauce, or it will become grainy.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently.
FAQs about Salted Egg Yolk Sauce
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: What can I use salted egg yolk sauce for?
A: This sauce is incredibly versatile! You can use it as a dipping sauce for fried chicken, spring rolls, or fries. It’s also fantastic drizzled over steamed vegetables, noodles, rice, tofu, or fish.
Salted Egg Yolk Sauce Drizzled Over Noodles
A Flavor You Won’t Forget
Making your own salted egg yolk sauce is a culinary adventure worth embarking on. The combination of rich, savory, and subtly sweet flavors is truly unforgettable. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! So gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this culinary masterpiece.
Dishes Featuring Salted Egg Yolk Sauce
Ready to explore more exciting sauces? Check out our recipes for other delectable sauces like Duchesse Sauce, Bearnaise Sauce, and Allemande Sauce. Happy cooking!
