Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1295 · Chawanmushi

Chawanmushi, and where to source it

Chawanmushi — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Chawanmushi Japanese 5best2buy.com

Strain the egg-dashi mixture and steam it over low heat with the lid cracked, because a hard boil and untamed steam turn the custard grainy and pocked with holes instead of glassy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 cups
CuisineJapanese
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  eggs · gluten · fish · shellfish · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 cups
eggs
3
beaten
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dashi
450 ml
cooled
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soy sauce
1 tsp
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mirin
1 tsp
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boneless chicken thigh
60 g
small pieces
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shrimp
4
peeled
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shiitake mushroom
2
sliced
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mitsuba or scallion
a few sprigs
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
  1. Mix the custardWhisk eggs gently with cooled dashi, soy sauce and mirin, trying not to whip in air, then strain through a fine sieve.
  2. Fill the cupsDivide chicken, shrimp and shiitake among four cups and pour the strained custard over to nearly full.
  3. Steam gentlySet cups in a steamer over low heat with the lid slightly ajar and steam 12 to 15 minutes.
  4. TestThe custard is done when a toothpick comes out with clear, not cloudy, liquid and the top barely jiggles.
  5. FinishLay a sprig of mitsuba on each and serve hot with a small spoon.
The Toolkit

steamer with lid · fine sieve · heatproof cups

Straight Answers
Can you make Chawanmushi in an air fryer? — Sometimes

You can, but a custard needs gentle, even heat and usually a water bath the basket can’t give, so the top tends to set before the middle. Bake it in ramekins that fit and watch closely, or use the oven for a foolproof set.

Can you freeze Chawanmushi? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Chawanmushi ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Chawanmushi gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Chawanmushi vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1295