How to Cook a Filipino Style Egg Sandwich
The key to achieving an authentic Filipino-style egg sandwich is the preparation and use of salted eggs. Unlike American egg salad sandwiches that are simple and quick to make, preparing a Filipino egg sandwich is truly a labor of love. Eggs are first soaked in a brine for at least three weeks to cure before they are hard-boiled for consumption. Once cooked, the eggs are diced together with fresh tomatoes and simple seasonings to create a refreshing and flavorful egg sandwich.
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Brining Eggs
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Before you can create a Filipino-style egg sandwich, you must first prepare the eggs by brining them. Traditionally, duck eggs are used because of their rich yolks and thick shells, but chicken eggs work fine, as well. Add whole, fresh eggs to a Mason jar, stacking carefully. Prepare a brine by dissolving about a cup and a half of salt in a quart of simmering water on the stove top. Let the brine cool, then pour it into the jar full of eggs until they are completely submerged. Put a lid on the jar and store the eggs in a cool, dark place for at least three weeks. Eggs may take longer to brine in cooler climates.
Sampling The Goods
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After three weeks, sample the brined eggs to determine if you are satisfied with their flavor. Remove an egg from the jar and boil it over high heat for 30 minutes. Salted eggs require a longer cooking time than fresh eggs. Let the egg cool in a bath of cold water. Remove the shell from the egg and taste. If the saltiness is to your liking, go ahead and hard boil the rest of the eggs. If not, let the eggs brine for up to an additional two weeks, until the desired level of saltiness is achieved.
Egg Sandwich, Filipino Style
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Dice three to five salted eggs, along with a couple of ripe salad tomatoes. Add a few dashes of salt and pepper to taste, and a splash of lime juice if you’d like some acidity. Add chopped green onion and marinated olives to elevate the flavor and texture even further. Combine the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Let the egg salad mixture sit for at least 20 minutes so the flavors have a chance to combine. Spread the egg salad on fresh bread or wrap with lettuce leaves. Salted egg salad is traditionally accompanied with steamed or fried rice.
Additional Egg-Tastic Uses
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Salted eggs are a staple in many Filipino homes. While salted eggs are popularly used to create egg salad, they are also paired with fried fish and roasted pork, as well as used to garnish pastries. Try creating your own unique sandwiches and garnishes with salted eggs at home.
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