Desiring something that’s shamelessly savoury and sinful to eat crispy? So, case in point, just like this, the Salted Egg Chicken recipe is one of everybody’s favourite dishes here in Southeast Asia, and for good reason because it consists of golden, crispy chicken bites tossed in the most decadent, luscious salted egg yolk sauce ever. Exciting, bold, rich, and full of umami in every bite.
This plate elevates lowly ingredients into something with the kind of comfort found in a restaurant dish. The salted yolk, for those who are unfamiliar with it at first, contributes a rich, buttery taste which really adheres to the fried chicken exceptionally well.” Combined with curry leaves, chilli and a touch of sweetness, it’s a flavour bomb you won’t soon forget.
Whether you’re serving it for the weekend dinner or taking it to a potluck to impress friends, this is a Salted Egg Chicken recipe that’s full of flavour and flair. It’s a home run for anyone who loves bold Asian-influenced dishes, and once you’ve had it, you’re going to be craving it.
- What Is Salted Egg Chicken?
- What Makes Salted Egg Yolks Special?
- Best Chicken Cuts for the Recipe
- How to Prepare Salted Egg Yolks :Flavor Essentials
- Health Benefits of Salted Egg Chicken
- Salted Egg Chicken Recipe From OoohDelish!
- Conclusion: Salted Egg Chicken Recipe 
- FAQs: Salted Egg Chicken Recipe
- 👩🍳 Share Your Twist!
What Is Salted Egg Chicken?
Salted Egg Chicken is an amazing salted egg recipe you have to try. It originates from Southeast Asia, Singapore and Malaysia in particular and includes crispy deep-fried chicken chunks smothered in a rich sauce comprising mashed salted duck egg yolks, butter and aromatic curry leaves. The dish has skyrocketed in international reputation for its incredibly tangy, creamy and slightly spicy flavours that are seasoned to be served with your choice of rice or, as is more commonly enjoyed as an appetizer by itself.
It’s not just any fried chicken recipe, though. It’s a cultural meld of big umami, rich smoothness and herbal fragrance in every bite. Whether you are conjuring up street food sensations or impressing at a dinner party, this recipe offers comfort and pizzazz.
What Makes Salted Egg Yolks Special?
Salted duck eggs were a traditional staple in Chinese cuisine, where raw eggs are bathed in brine or charcoal paste for several weeks until the yolks develop into rich, oily orbs of flavour. When cooked and mashed, the yolks disintegrate into a creamy texture, which melds with a bit of melted butter to become a golden sauce.
They contribute more than just saltiness. The yolks bring umami depth and a creamy finish that you can’t get from cheese and cream alone. This is the reason salted egg is now found in everything from chips to croissants in Southeast Asia.
Best Chicken Cuts for the Recipe
Boneless chicken thighs are your best bet for succulent, tender bites. Their inherent fat makes them moist to fry and absorb more flavour. Chicken breast can be used if you like the taste of lean meat, but it’s important not to overcook it, as it will dry out.
Cut the chicken into 1 – 2 inch pieces so that they all cook evenly. Marinate cut-up pieces with a little soy, rice wine, white pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavour before coating.
How to Prepare Salted Egg Yolks :Flavor Essentials
Canned or vacuum-packed packages of salted egg yolks are available at many Asian grocery stores. If you are indeed using whole salted eggs, steam or hard-boil them first, then remove the yolks and mash them with a fork. The yolks should be slick and sandy, not dry.
To Prepare sauce: Saute crushed yolks in butter until frothy; add curry leaves and garlic. Stir it constantly until everything turns golden and smells deeply fragrant. Add chillies and sugar for balance, and finish with a splash of evaporated milk or cream for extra silkiness.
The curry leaves must be fresh because, when fried in butter, they release nutty, aromatic oils. Don’t substitute with bay leaves or dried curry powder, which won’t give you this same depth.
As for chillies, Thai bird’s eye chillies or red finger chillies are good. They add a bright, spicy note, cutting through the richness of the yolks. Add more or less to taste, depending on how much heat you like.
Health Benefits of Salted Egg Chicken
While indulgent, this dish does offer some nutritional perks when eaten in moderation:
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Protein (Chicken) | Supports muscle growth, repairs body tissues |
| Choline (Egg Yolks) | Aids brain health, important for liver function |
| Antioxidants (Curry Leaves) | May protect against oxidative stress and support digestion |
| Garlic | Boosts immunity, may reduce blood pressure and inflammation |
To keep things lighter, you can bake the chicken instead of frying, or reduce the butter in the sauce and use a low-fat milk substitute.
Salted Egg Chicken Recipe From OoohDelish!
Salted Egg Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Wok or Deep Fryer For frying chicken
- 1 Mixing Bowl For seasoning and coating
- 1 Saucepan To prepare salted egg sauce
- 1 Slotted Spoon To remove fried chicken
Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch For coating
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour For coating
- 2 Egg yolks salted Mashed
- 1 tbsp Buttern Unsalted preferred
- 3 cloves Garlic Finely chopped
- 5 leaves Curry leaves Optional but recommended
- 1 Red chili Thinly sliced optional
- 1 cup Cooking oil For frying
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt and white pepper. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Toss chicken until fully coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a wok or fryer. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Make salted egg sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic and curry leaves until aromatic. Add mashed salted egg yolks and stir until foamy.
- Combine: Add fried chicken into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Optionally, add sliced red chili for extra heat.
- Serve hot: Serve immediately with steamed rice or fried rice.
Notes
Tips for Crispy Chicken Every Time
- Use cornstarch or potato starch: These provide a crispier crust than flour.
- Double-fry technique: Fry the chicken once until golden, rest, then fry again briefly to lock in the crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This prevents sogginess and maintains oil temperature.
- Drain on a rack, not paper towels: Helps retain crispiness.
What to Serve With Salted Egg Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Mantou (steamed buns) – for a trendy fusion-style meal.
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice – to soak up the sauce.
- Fried rice – for a rich, layered meal.
- Asian slaw or pickled vegetables – to balance the richness.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Add a squeeze of lime before serving for brightness.
- Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
- Make a dry version: Skip the evaporated milk and let the yolks cling as a crumbly coating.
- Add Parmesan: For an East-meets-West twist, a sprinkle of parmesan can elevate the savory factor even more.
Conclusion: Salted Egg Chicken Recipe
The salted egg chicken isn’t just popular because everyone is cooking it. It’s packed with flavour and symbolises everything great about eating in Southeast Asia. With its luxurious velvety sauce cooked in golden salted egg yolk and a kick of curry leaves and chillies, every mouthful is an amalgamation of comfort and decadence that’s difficult to turn down. Perfect for entertaining or a quiet dinner, the flavours in Chicken with Balsamic Reduction always deliver.
It is so versatile, too; I love this food as a snack with some rice or as a full meal. Plus, with simple, easy-to-find ingredients and clear steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavour right into your home. And who needs to be a chef to master that irresistible crunchy texture in combination with a bold, creamy coating?
If you’re in search of a new dish to add to your weekly dinner lineup or want to show off with something a tad exotic but also a classic, then this Salted Egg Chicken is a must-try. Decadent, filling, and flavorful, it’s a dish that really deserves a place on your favourite list. And don’t be surprised if your guests ask for seconds or for the recipe!
FAQs: Salted Egg Chicken Recipe
What is Salted Egg Chicken?
Salted Egg Chicken is a popular Southeast Asian dish made with crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, savory sauce made from salted egg yolks, butter, garlic, curry leaves, and chilies.
Can I use store-bought salted egg yolks?
Yes, you can use store-bought salted egg yolks or ready-made salted egg powder to simplify the cooking process. Both deliver a rich umami flavor.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thigh pieces are ideal for Salted Egg Chicken as they remain juicy and flavorful when fried, but chicken breast also works if you prefer a leaner option.
Is Salted Egg Chicken spicy?
The spice level depends on how many chilies you use. Traditionally, it’s mildly spicy due to red or bird’s eye chilies, but you can adjust or omit them based on preference.
Can I make Salted Egg Chicken without frying?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can air-fry or bake the chicken pieces until crispy and then toss them in the salted egg sauce.
What should I serve with Salted Egg Chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, noodles, or even a simple salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan to preserve the crispiness and flavor of the sauce.
👩🍳 Share Your Twist!
Do you have your own twist on this Salted Egg Chicken recipe? Maybe you spice it up with extra chili, toss in some prawns, or make it vegetarian with tofu! Whatever your secret is, we’d love to hear it.
📩 Send your unique version to contact@ooohdelish.com — and if we feature your recipe, we’ll proudly credit you on our site. Let’s inspire more food lovers together! 🍽️💛
References
Amy’s Garlic Egg Chicken Recipe
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