Balut (Filipino Fertilized Duck Egg)
Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo that is boiled and eaten from the shell. It is a popular street food and delicacy in the Philippines, often enjoyed with salt or spiced vinegar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 Balut egg(Ideally a 17-day old fertilized duck egg for the most common texture. Available at Filipino markets or specialized Asian grocery stores.)
- to taste Salt(Sea salt or regular table salt.)
- for serving Spiced vinegar(A common accompaniment. Can be store-bought or homemade (e.g., vinegar with garlic, chili, and onion).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the balut egg for boiling. Gently rinse the egg under cool water and place it in a small saucepan. Cover the egg completely with cold water.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Boil the balut egg. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The longer it cooks, the firmer the yolk and embryo will become.
⏱️ 25-30 minutes - 3
Cool slightly and prepare to eat. Carefully remove the egg from the hot water using a slotted spoon and place it on a plate. Let it cool for a minute or two until it's comfortable to handle. Tap the wider end of the egg gently with a spoon to create a small crack.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Sip the broth. Carefully peel back a small section of the shell from the cracked end. Sip the warm, savory broth from the opening. Be cautious as it will be hot.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Consume the egg. Continue to peel away the shell, exposing the yolk and the embryo. Eat the contents, dipping pieces into salt or spiced vinegar as desired.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the most common and enjoyable texture, aim for a 17-day old balut egg.
- ✓Always sip the broth first; it's considered the most flavorful part.
- ✓Balut is a good source of protein and other nutrients.
- ✓If you are new to eating balut, start with a less developed egg (around 14-16 days) if possible.
🔄 Variations
- Penoy: An unfertilized duck egg, which has a texture similar to a hard-boiled egg but with a more intense flavor. It does not contain an embryo.
- Different ages: Balut can be found at different developmental stages (e.g., 14, 16, 18, 21 days), each offering a unique texture and flavor profile.