Balut Surprise

Ingredients

• 4 fertilized duck eggs 4 fertilized duck eggs
• Water for boiling Water for boiling
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 star anise (optional) 2 star anise (optional)
• 1 small piece of ginger (optional) 1 small piece of ginger (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 188 kcal / 787 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 2.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. 2.
   Gently place the duck eggs into the boiling water and let them cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. 3.
   While the eggs are boiling, prepare a bowl of cold water with ice cubes.
4. 4.
   Once the eggs are cooked, carefully transfer them to the bowl of cold water to cool down.
5. 5.
   Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently tap the wider end of each egg to create a small hole.
6. 6.
   Peel off a small portion of the shell to expose the partially developed duck embryo.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a few drops of vinegar into each egg.
8. 8.
   Optionally, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add star anise and ginger for added flavor.
9. 9.
   Serve the Balut Surprise with the aromatic broth on the side for sipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Duck eggs — Ensure that the eggs are fresh and sourced from a reliable supplier to guarantee their quality and safety.
• Star anise — Use this spice sparingly as it has a strong flavor. Adjust the quantity according to your preference.
• Ginger — Choose young ginger for a milder taste. Peel the skin before using.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, dip the Balut Surprise in a mixture of soy sauce and calamansi juice.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the taste according to your preference.
• Enjoy Balut Surprise with a side of sliced tomatoes and onions for a refreshing contrast.

Serving advice

Serve Balut Surprise as an appetizer or snack. Provide small spoons for scooping out the broth and a plate for discarding the shell.

Presentation advice

Present the Balut Surprise on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Arrange the eggs neatly and serve with the aromatic broth in a separate bowl.