So, whether you’re visiting Japan and want to try the real deal, or you’re looking to add a new twist to your breakfast routine, Onsen Tamago is definitely worth a try. Whether you prefer your eggs hard-boiled or soft-boiled, the mineral-rich spa water gives them a unique flavor and texture that you won’t find anywhere else. And with a little bit of practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to make your own Onsen Tamago at home. So go ahead, give it a try and discover the world of Onsen Tamago for yourself!
First off, let’s get the boring stuff out of the way – Onsen Tamago simply means “eggs cooked in/over spa water.” But don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t your grandma’s hard-boiled egg. Oh no, we’re talking about eggs that are cooked to perfection in the hot, mineral-rich waters of Japan’s famous hot springs.
Now, you may be wondering, “But wait, aren’t there only two types of Onsen Tamago?” Well, my dear reader, you would be correct… unless you count the sort you might make yourself. That’s right, you too can join in on the Onsen Tamago fun by making your own at home. But beware, it’s not as simple as just boiling an egg. Oh no, the yolk and the white of the egg cook at different temperatures, so you’ll have to play around with timing and methods to get it just right. But don’t worry, there are plenty of recipes out there to guide you on your Onsen Tamago journey.
Now, let’s talk about the two types of Onsen Tamago you can actually buy. First up, we have the hard-boiled variety that you might find being sold as a souvenir in tourist shops. These eggs can sometimes turn a dramatic black color due to the mineral content of the spa water, but don’t be fooled – they don’t taste any different from your average hard-boiled egg.
On the other hand, you might come across the soft-boiled variety in your local supermarket. These little eggs come in small packages of three or four and come with a dipping sauce in a packet. They’re usually eaten with breakfast or other meals and are a favorite of Japanese people who love their raw and near-raw eggs. But don’t be fooled, these supermarket Onsen Tamago have nothing to do with actual spa water – they’re just really, really soft-boiled eggs.
But wait, there’s more! You may have also noticed that when you buy hard-cooked eggs in Japan, they taste slightly salty or seasoned. So how do they do it? The secret, my friends, is to hard-cook the eggs in salted water. But beware, the salt doesn’t always penetrate the egg, so you may have to experiment with timing and methods to get it just right.
In conclusion, Onsen Tamago is a unique and delicious experience that you can enjoy both in Japan and at home. But remember, the key to success is patience, experimentation, and a willingness to try new things. Happy cooking!
