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This simple eggs with preserved turnip recipe is salty, savory, and the final word consolation meals. With simply 3 elements and 10 minutes, you may make these fluffy, golden eggs with crispy edges which are excellent with Teochew porridge or steaming white rice.


Preserved Radish Omelette
In the event you grew up in a Chinese language family, preserved radish omelette have been possible a staple in your dinner desk. Often called Chai Po Nui (菜脯蛋) in Hokkien, it’s a kind of humble, “fridge-raid” meals that tastes like residence. Again residence in Malaysia, we eat Teochew porridge (粥/稀饭) each time it’s chilly, and this savory omelet is a staple aspect dish. My late mother and father have been notably a fan of porridge, and I bear in mind vividly my childhood days when my father would take my mom and me to unassuming late-night porridge joints in Georgetown, Penang. My father would slurp bowl after bowl of plain rice porridge with modest dishes like Soy Sauce Eggs (滷蛋), Teochew Steamed Fish, and preserved vegetable with pork stomach (梅菜). It’s a nostalgic consolation meals for me, particularly after I discover myself craving the tropical heat of residence.
A standard level of confusion with this particular dish is the principle ingredient. You’ll typically see it labeled as “preserved turnip” on the packet, however it’s truly constituted of salted and dried Daikon radish. My recipe offers you that genuine restaurant style with a golden, fluffy texture and that signature salty crunch from the Chai Po. It’s a fantastic, easy dish that turns a bowl of plain rice porridge right into a soul-warming meal.
Buying Information: Selecting The Proper Preserved Turnip (Chai Po)


When you find yourself standing within the aisle of an Asian grocery store, the rows of vacuum-sealed packets generally is a bit overwhelming. For this recipe, you’re on the lookout for Chai Po (preserved radish). It is very important know that there are two distinct sorts: candy and salty.
Whereas you will notice each varieties on the shelf, I strongly recommend staying away from the candy model for this particular dish. The candy selection is usually too sugary and lacks the deep, fermented aroma that makes a preserved radish omelette so addictive. To get that genuine Teochew restaurant taste, you have to use the Salty (Unique) selection. It offers the proper savory punch to distinction the wealthy, fluffy eggs and provides the dish its signature soul-warming character.
What To Look For
- Examine the label: Search for “Preserved Turnip,” “Salted Radish,” or “Chai Po.” Even when the bag says turnip, it’s virtually all the time Daikon radish.
- Minced vs. complete: You’ll find these already minced or in complete strips. I normally seize the minced model as a result of it saves a lot prep time. In the event you purchase the entire strips, simply give them a fast chop into small, uniform bits so that they distribute evenly within the egg.
- Texture and shade: Search for items which are agency and have a constant mild brown shade. If the radish seems mushy or the liquid within the bag could be very darkish, I normally skip it.
- Dependable manufacturers: I discover that Thai and Taiwanese manufacturers are essentially the most constant. Search for Mae Boonchu (with the woman on the yellow label), Sunlee, or the Elephant model. These are broadly out there and have a clear, vibrant perfume with none pungent or “off” smells when you give them a fast rinse.
Substances You’ll Want


Try the recipe card beneath for the complete measurements and directions.
Professional Tip #1: Why Rinsing The Turnip Is So Vital
Rinsing the minced turnip a number of instances in a nice mesh strainer is a step that ought to by no means be skipped. This removes the tough brine whereas maintaining the core taste intact. Squeezing out each drop of water after the ultimate rinse ensures the eggs keep fluffy and don’t grow to be watery.
Professional Tip #2: Use A Impartial Oil For Excessive Warmth
A impartial oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil works finest as a result of it handles excessive warmth with out burning. This permits the pan to get shimmering scorching, which is the key to getting these crispy golden edges.
Professional Tip #3: Skip The Further Seasoning
It could be tempting so as to add soy sauce or salt, however holding again is healthier. The turnip already offers loads of seasoning. Maintaining it easy lets the distinctive aroma of the Chai Po shine by way of with out the dish turning into too salty.
Incessantly Requested Questions
If the turnip stays moist after rinsing, the brown brine can bleed into the eggs and make the omelet look muddy. Squeeze the turnip as dry as attainable for a vibrant, clear yellow end.
As a result of it’s cured in salt, preserved turnip lasts a very long time. As soon as the bundle is open, the standard begins to say no. Retailer any leftovers in a clear glass jar within the fridge. It would keep good for months, however all the time examine for mould or uncommon smells earlier than cooking.
Sure, you possibly can freeze it. In the event you purchased a big bag and gained’t use it rapidly, portion it out into small freezer luggage. It freezes effectively due to the excessive salt content material and gained’t lose its signature crunch once you thaw it out for the subsequent batch.
Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as two days. To reheat, use a microwave for 30 seconds or toss them in a dry pan for a minute to convey again the crispy edges.
This recipe is barely 89 energy per serving.


What To Serve With This Recipe
For a straightforward and healthful weeknight dinner, I like to recommend the next recipes:
I hope you take pleasure in this submit as a lot as I do. In the event you strive my recipe, please go away a remark and contemplate giving it a 5-star ranking. For easier and scrumptious recipes, discover my Recipe Index, and keep up to date by subscribing to my publication and following me on Fb, Pinterest, and Instagram for brand new updates.
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Forestall your display from going darkish
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Crack the eggs right into a bowl and evenly beat them.
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Add the preserved turnip to the egg combination and stir to mix.
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Warmth a wok and add oil. When the wok is scorching, pour within the egg combination. Swirl the egg across the wok and cook dinner till the underside units and turns golden brown. Flip and proceed cooking. Use a spatula to interrupt the egg into a number of massive items, then dish out and serve instantly.
Optionally available: Stir-fry the turnip first. In the event you favor the turnip to be additional crunchy and fragrant, toss it into the recent oil for a minute earlier than pouring within the eggs.
Serving: 4individuals, Energy: 89kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 5g, Fats: 7g, Saturated Fats: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g, Monounsaturated Fats: 3g, Trans Fats: 0.03g, Ldl cholesterol: 123mg, Sodium: 347mg, Potassium: 46mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 178IU, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1mg
Diet info is routinely calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.

