Chawanmushi Japanese Egg Custard Recipe

Servings: 4 Total Time: 13 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A silky Japanese egg custard infused with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, topped with shrimp and mushrooms. A classic dish you can easily make at home!
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Imagine this…

It’s been a long day, and you’re craving something comforting, something that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t leave you with that dreaded food coma. Enter Chawanmushi, the Japanese egg custard that’s here to save your dinner (and your sanity).

If you’ve never heard of it, let me introduce you to Chawanmushi. This silky, savory dish is like the lovechild of a crème brûlée and a cozy bowl of soup—minus the guilt and plus a whole lot of umami.

And the best part? You can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Chawanmushi japanese appetizers

Why Chawanmushi is about to become your go-to recipe

In a world where fast food is everywhere and time is a luxury, finding a dish that’s both healthy and quick to prepare feels like striking gold.

Whether you’re:

  • A busy parent trying to whip up something nutritious for your kids
  • Someone looking to impress your friends
  • Or just someone who wants to eat something delicious without betraying your New Year’s resolutions

The struggle is real… but Chawanmushi is the answer

Let’s be honest. We’ve all been there: staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner that won’t take hours or require a PhD in culinary arts.

You want something that’s:

That’s where Chawanmushi comes in. With just a handful of ingredients—eggs, dashi, mirin, soy sauce, and a few flavorful add-ins like shrimp or shiitake mushrooms—you can create a dish that’s as impressive as it is effortless.

A dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious

In a world where processed foods and sugary snacks are lurking around every corner, finding something both delicious and nutritious can feel like a miracle.

Chawanmushi is : Low in calories, Protein-packed thanks to eggs and dashi and a sneaky way to get veggies and seafood into your dietyes, even your picky kids will be fooled!

More than just a dish

Here’s the thing: Chawanmushi isn’t just food—it’s a moment of peace.

There’s something almost meditative about steaming this delicate custard to perfection, watching it transform into a silky-smooth masterpiece. It’s a dish that makes you slow down and savor the process, even on the busiest of days.

And when you finally take that first spoonful, you’ll understand why it’s been a beloved part of Japanese cuisine for centuries. It’s comfort food at its finest—elegant, simple, and deeply satisfying.

Ready to make this Japanese Egg Custard? Let’s get started!

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 8 mins Total Time 13 mins
Servings: 4

Description

Chawanmushi, Japan’s silky-smooth egg custard is a savory flan infused with dashi, topped with shrimp and shiitake mushrooms. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or side dish. If you’re a Japanese cuisine enthusiast or just looking for a unique Japanese dish to impress your guests, this Chawanmushi recipe is easier than you think!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1
    Heat the dashi gently until warm but not hot. If it's too hot, it will cook the eggs prematurely!
  2. Step 2
    Set up a steamer over low heat. The steam should be gentle to avoid bubbling in the custard.
  3. Step 3
    In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, mirin, soy sauce, and warm dashi. Strain the mixture twice through a fine sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.
  4. Step 4
    Divide the shrimp and shiitake mushrooms evenly into four heatproof cups or bowls.
  5. Step 5
    Pour the egg mixture into the cups, covering the shrimp and mushrooms. Cover each cup with foil to prevent condensation from dripping in.
  6. Step 6
    Steam the custards for about 8 minutes, or until set. The surface should be smooth and gently firm when touched.
  7. Final Step
    Garnish with mitsuba leaves and serve immediately.
Keywords: Chawanmushi, Japanese egg custard, dashi recipe, Japanese recipes, easy Japanese recipes

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I make chawanmushi without dashi?

Absolutely! If you don’t have dashi on hand, you can use a light vegetable or chicken broth, though the flavor won’t be quite as authentic.

My chawanmushi turned out grainy. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the steaming temperature is too high or the eggs weren’t properly strained. Make sure to keep the heat low and strain the mixture at least twice for a silky finish.

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes! Some variations include ginkgo nuts, fish cake, or even a small piece of grilled eel. Feel free to get creative!

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