Addictively Spicy: Unveiling the Recipe for Salted Egg Cornflakes

Spicy Salted Egg Cornflakes

Welcome to the world of addictively spicy salted egg cornflakes. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

In recent years, salted egg cornflakes have gained immense popularity, captivating snack enthusiasts with their unique combination of spiciness, saltiness, and crunchiness.

This article will delve into the origins of this delectable treat, the allure of spicy snacks, the key ingredients for making the perfect salted egg cornflakes, a step-by-step guide to crafting this addictive snack, variations, creative twists to explore, and much more.

The Origins of Salted Egg Cornflakes

Tracing the roots of salted egg dishes in Asian cuisine, we discover that they have been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in countries like China and Malaysia, known locally as Cornflakes Telur Masin.

Salted Egg Yolk Flavor

The idea of infusing salted egg yolk flavor into cornflakes, however, is a more recent development, representing a modern twist on traditional recipes. This innovative combination has captured the attention of food enthusiasts around the world, introducing a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

What is a Salted Egg?

To the uninitiated, a salted egg is a duck egg that is preserved by soaking in brine. It is then packed in damp salted charcoal. It is not to be confused with century eggs, which are different in look and taste.

Understanding the Allure of Spicy Snacks

Have you ever wondered why spicy snacks hold such a strong appeal? There is a fascinating psychology behind our love for all things spicy.

Capsaicin, Release of Endorphins

The presence of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, triggers the release of endorphins, creating a pleasurable sensation and even mild euphoria. This natural high makes the experience of consuming spicy snacks incredibly enjoyable, enhancing the overall snacking experience.

The Key Ingredients for Salted Egg Cornflake

To unlock the addictive flavors of salted egg cornflakes, it is essential to understand the key ingredients involved. The star of the show is, of course, the salted egg coating. A balance of saltiness and richness is achieved through the use of salted duck eggs, which are cooked, mashed, and combined with various seasonings.

Here are the Spicy Salted Egg Cornflakes Ingredients

This easy salted egg cornflake recipe uses only five ingredients:

1. Cornflakes - You can use any of your favorite brands but I like the taste and crunchiness of Kellog's cornflakes. Opting for high-quality cornflakes ensures maximum crunchiness, providing the perfect canvas for the flavors to shine.
2. Salted Egg Yolk - I use the pre-cooked salted egg yolk powder that I bought online on Shopee. You can also buy from most supermarkets or bakery shops. If you prefer to use fresh salted egg yolk, then steam it for about 15 minutes. Next, mash the golden egg yolk while it is still warm into fine powder.
3. Salted Butter - Unsalted butter is fine if you like a less-salty taste.
4. Curry Leaves - I used my own homegrown curry leaves. You can buy them from most supermarkets and wet markets. If you are not from this Asian region, curry leaves are sold in Asian grocery stores. If still not available, you can skip these curry leaves.
5. Red Bird's Eye Chili (Chilli Padi) - You can buy this from most markets or use the normal red chili, dried chili, or chili flakes instead. For this recipe, I used my own homegrown bird's eye chili.

There are several versions of this recipe where sugar, evaporated milk, and dried chilis (in addition to the bird's eye chili) are added to the ingredients. I prefer not to use sugar and evaporated milk for this recipe as I don't like the sweet taste of these combinations to the salted egg. I also don't use dried chilis as it is already hot and spicy with just the bird's eye chili.

You Need These Utensils

For this recipe, you will need:

• Large heavy skillet or wok. Use the 10 to12 inches in diameter for easier mixing and coating of the cornflakes.
• Stir fry spatula.
• Parchment paper (bakery paper) to line the baking tray.
• And of course, you need your cooker to fry and an oven to bake.
• Air-tight container to store the cooked salted egg yolk cornflakes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Spicy Salted Egg Cornflakes

Let's dive into the process of creating these addictively spicy salted egg cornflakes.

First, we prepare the salted egg mixture by extracting the yolks from salted duck eggs (alternatively, using the pre-cooked egg yolk powder) and combining them with a blend of seasonings. Next, we carefully mix the cornflakes with the spicy salted egg mixture, ensuring each flake is evenly coated. The final step involves baking or frying and baking the coated cornflakes to achieve the desired texture and crispness.

Here's the step in detail:

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Preparing Salted Egg Cornflakes

Get all the ingredients and cooking utensils ready for cooking:

• Red bird's eye chili washed and finely chopped.
• Curry leaves are washed and removed from the stem.
• Salted egg powder, butter, and cornflake were measured accordingly and put in separate bowls. If you are using fresh mashed salted egg yolk then prepare this in advance.
• Heavy-duty skillet (I prefer to use a wok), stir fry spatula, and parchment paper (to line the oven baking tray).

Fry curry leaves with butter on low heat for about 3 minutes, then add the finely chopped red bird's eye chili (or chili flakes or dried red chili). Continue frying for about 1 minute. Add the salted egg yolk powder and mix well until you get a nice creamy sauce.

Remove Any Lump in the Powdered Salted Egg

Some of the powdered salted eggs tend to be lumpy during packaging. Mix well to bring this lumpy salted egg to powdery form.

Creamy Salted Egg Sauce

Once the creamy salted egg sauce has thickened, remove the frying pan or wok from the heat and add in the cornflakes. Stir, making sure the cornflakes are all well coated.

Spread these coated cornflakes evenly on the baking tray that was lined with parchment paper (bakery paper).

Bake at 350ºF for about 8 minutes or until it is slightly golden brown. This will crisp up the cornflakes and make them crunchy.

Let it be thoroughly cooled before storing it in an air-tight jar.

Note: Some people prefer to either bake or fry the coated cornflakes to achieve the desired texture and crispness. I prefer to bake as it is more crunchy.

Ingredients

• 1.8 ounces (50 g or 3.3 tablespoon) salted butter
• 6 stalks curry leaves, washed and removed from the stems
• 6 red bird's eye chilis, finely chopped. You can add more for a hotter version or replace it with dried chilis/chili flakes
• 3.5 ounces (100 g) salted egg powder, mix well and to remove any lumps
• 4.4 ounces (125 g) cornflakes, (I used Kellog's corn flakes. 1 box is 8.8 ounces (250 g), so I use half of it)

Cook Time

Directions (Only 5 Steps!)

1. Fry curry leaves with butter on low heat for about 3 minutes.
2. Then add finely chopped red bird's eye chilis and continue frying for about 1 minute.
3. Add the salted egg yolk powder and mix well until you get a nice creamy sauce.
4. Once the creamy salted egg sauce has thickened, remove wok from the heat and add in the cornflakes. Stir, making sure the cornflakes are well coated.
5. Spread these coated cornflakes evenly on the baking tray that was lined with parchment paper (bakery paper). Bake at 350ºF for about 8 minutes or until it is slightly golden brown. Once they are thoroughly cooled, place them in an air-tight jar.

1. Fry curry leaves with butter on low heat for about 3 minutes.

2. Then add finely chopped red bird's eye chilis and continue frying for about 1 minute.

3. Add the salted egg yolk powder and mix well until you get a nice creamy sauce.

4. Once the creamy salted egg sauce has thickened, remove the wok from the heat and add in the cornflakes. Stir, making sure the cornflakes are well coated.

5. Spread these coated cornflakes evenly on the baking tray that was lined with parchment paper (bakery paper). Bake at 350ºF for about 8 minutes or until it is slightly golden brown. Once they are thoroughly cooled, place them in an air-tight jar.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

Achieving the perfect balance of saltiness and spiciness is an art in itself. To ensure the flavors harmonize beautifully, it is crucial to follow a few key tips and tricks.

• Start by tasting the salted egg mixture before coating the cornflake, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
• When it comes to texture, strive for the ultimate crispiness that lasts. To achieve this, ensure the cornflakes are evenly coated and spread out in a single layer during baking or frying.
• Additionally, store your homemade salted egg cornflakes in an airtight container to preserve their addictive qualities and retain their crunch.

These insights will help you achieve exceptional results every time you make salted egg cornflakes.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Salted egg cornflakes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. As a standalone snack, they offer a delightful explosion of flavors.

However, you can elevate your culinary experience by exploring creative serving ideas.

• Sprinkle them over salads for a unique crunch.
• Use them as a topping for creamy soups to add a spicy twist.
• Crush them to create a flavorful crust for chicken or fish.
• Incorporating them into canapés.
• For dipping enthusiasts, a zesty chili sauce or a creamy garlic aioli will take the taste sensation to new heights.
• To complement the flavors, experiment with different beverages that balance the spiciness and enhance the overall taste such as a citrusy iced tea or tangy mango lassi.

Other Salted Egg Yolk Recipes: Variations and Creative Twists

While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, there is room for creativity and experimentation with salted egg cornflakes. Dive into the world of variations by exploring different ingredients and flavors.

• Add a personal touch by incorporating ingredients like curry leaves, seaweed, or even chocolate for a sweet and savory combination.
• For those with dietary restrictions, vegan and gluten-free options can be explored, making this addictive snack accessible to a wider audience
• Consider incorporating dried shrimp for an umami burst, sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty flavor, or even tossing in some crispy curry leaves to intensify the aroma.

You can also use salted egg yolk with other ingredients, not just with cornflakes. Here are some variations to the salted egg yolk:

The Cultural Significance of Salted Egg Cornflakes

In Asian cultures, salted egg dishes hold a special place in culinary traditions. They are often associated with festivals and celebrations, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and unity.

Salted egg cornflakes have become an integral part of these cultural festivities, captivating both locals and visitors with their addictive flavors. Furthermore, these snacks play a significant role in social gatherings, where they are shared among friends and family, fostering a sense of togetherness and creating lasting memories.

Exploring Global Popularity and Variations

While salted egg cornflakes originated in Asia, their popularity has spread across the globe, captivating the taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide.

As they journeyed to different countries, they underwent unique adaptations and fusions, resulting in exciting variations.

From salted egg cornflake cookies to salted egg-flavored ice cream, the possibilities are endless. This global popularity can be attributed in part to the rise of social media and food influencers, who have shared their love for this addictive snack, inspiring others to try it for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Salted Eggs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions on salted eggs for your reference:

What Does Salted Duck Egg Taste Like?

The egg white in a salted duck egg tastes like a boiled chicken egg white except that it is saltier and less dense. The yolk, which is generally used in most salted egg recipes, tastes like a salty mashed roasted chestnut.

What Do You Do With Salted Duck Eggs?

You cook them as per the above recipes, which usually use only the yolk. Both, the white and yolk of salted eggs are eaten with rice congee, nasi kerabu (Herb Rice), and in your normal rice as part of the side dishes.

Where to Buy Salted Eggs?

This is available in most dry and wet markets. If you live outside East Asia and Southeast Asia, you can buy salted eggs from most Asian grocery stores or buy online. Some of these salted eggs are coated with black charcoal paste.

How to Clean a Salted Duck Egg?

Remove the charcoal coating by gently rubbing it off. Then, wash and dry the egg.

What Is the Benefit of a Salted Egg?

Based on this 'Comparative Study on the Nutritional Value of Pidan and Salted Duck Egg', salted duck eggs are rich in proteins, lipids, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals. These proteins, lipids, and ash contents are greatly enhanced during the salting process with no losses of amino acids. Phospholipids and cholesterol contents are lower in salted duck egg yolk hence, it is a nutritionally rich alternative to duck egg products.

Does Salted Egg Increase Blood Pressure?

Despite the good benefits of salted eggs, the downside is their high sodium content. Per serving of salted duck egg has 1265mg of sodium**. This is because the duck eggs are salted in a high-salt-concentration brine solution that gives a higher salt content in the egg white. High sodium can lead to increased blood pressure.

Can I Take a Salted Duck Egg if I Am Pregnant?

It is advisable not to consume salted eggs if you are pregnant due to their higher sodium level. This can cause water retention and higher blood pressure. If you crave it, do a less salty version at home but take it in moderation.

How Long Can a Salted Egg Last in the Fridge?

If you keep the eggs in a sealed container, they can last between 1 to 2 months.

How Many Calories Are in a Salted Egg?

Based on 1 serving of salted duck egg, it contains 130 calories**.

**SOURCE: Nutritionix

Conclusion

In this journey through the world of addictively spicy salted egg cornflakes, we have explored its origins, the allure of spicy snacks, the key ingredients, a step-by-step guide to making them, variations and creative twists, tips, and tricks for the best results, serving suggestions and pairings, the cultural significance of salted egg cornflakes, their global popularity and variations, and addressed frequently asked questions.

Try This Salted Egg Cornflake Recipe

Now, armed with this knowledge, it's time for you to embark on your own culinary adventure.

Try the recipe, indulge in the addictive flavors, and discover firsthand why salted egg cornflakes have become a beloved snack around the world. So, let the addictively spicy journey begin!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2021 Razlan Awal