Onsen means hot spring in Japanese. So onsen tamago literally translates Hot Spring Eggs ! The eggs are cooked in hot springs and often served at breakfast in any spa in Japan. The eggs are cooked slowly in hot water of about 70° - 75°, so the whites are still soft and the yolks just slightly cooked. They were serve quite exclusively at hot springs where water at the optimal temperature is easily available for making onsen tamago.......................................................................................................................................................
Tofu with Onsen Tamago recipe
Onsen Tamago ( Hot Spring Egg)
Put *eggs into a wide-neck container that can hold heat. Add boiling water to cover eggs and leave for 10 mins. The yolk in onsen tamago is firmer than the whites !
*eggs should be at room temperature, not chilled.
Tofu with Onsen Tamago
2 boxes soft silken tofu
4 "hot spring eggs"
Dressing
1 tsp dried fish flakes
4 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
1 tbsp sake
Garnish
chopped green onions/chives
fried shallots
grated fresh ginger
Method
1. Drain tofu and wrap in paper towels to remove excess water.
2. Make dressing by combining all the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and cook in the microwave oven on medium for 2 minutes. Leave to cool and strain. Discard fish flakes.
3. Cut tofu into 4 portions and place one piece in each bowl. Scoop out a hollow in each tofu and put a "hot spring egg" in each hollow.
4. Arrange the scooped tofu around the edge. Scatter green onions and fried shallots on top of tofu. Dap on a little grated ginger.
5. Pour dressing over tofu and serve.
recipe credit: http://myculinaryjournal.blogspot.com/2007/08/tofu-onsen-tamago.html
