If you’re looking to explore the deeper side of traditional Chinese appetizers, look no further than the Century Egg and Cucumber Salad. Known for its striking appearance and creamy, umami-rich center, the century egg (pidan) is a delicacy that transforms a simple cucumber salad into a gourmet experience.
At Redbloom Health, we love this dish because it hits every flavor profile: the cooling crunch of cucumbers, the savory richness of the preserved egg, and the fiery tingle of our signature chili crisp. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings high-end restaurant flavors right to your kitchen.
Quick Overview
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 190 per serving
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Servings: 2
Ingredients
The Base:
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2 Century Eggs, peeled and cut into wedges
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1 Large Cucumber, smashed and chopped
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1/4 Red Onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup Roasted Peanuts
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1-2 Thai Chilies, thinly sliced (for extra heat)
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1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
The Redbloom Dressing:
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3 Cloves Garlic, minced
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2 tbsp Redbloom Chili Crisp
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2 tbsp Soy Sauce
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1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
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1 tsp Sesame Oil
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1 tsp Sugar
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A pinch of Salt
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Chef’s knife
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Mixing bowl
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Small whisk or spoon
Method
Step 1: Prep the Century Eggs
Peel the century eggs and rinse them gently. Using a wet knife (to prevent the creamy yolk from sticking), slice each egg into 6 or 8 wedges. Set them aside—we’ll add these at the very end to keep the yolks intact.
Step 2: Smash the Cucumber
Place your cucumber on the cutting board and give it a firm "smack" with the flat side of your knife until it splits. Chop it into bite-sized pieces. Smashed cucumbers have more surface area to soak up the dressing than smooth-sliced ones!
Step 3: Mix the Aromatic Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Redbloom Chili Crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. Add the sliced Thai chilies for that sharp, fresh heat.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Add the smashed cucumbers and red onions to the bowl. Toss thoroughly until everything is glossy and well-coated.
Step 5: Assemble with Care
Gently fold in the century egg wedges and cilantro. You want the dressing to coat the eggs without breaking the delicate yolks.
Step 6: Final Touch
Top with roasted peanuts just before serving for that essential salty crunch.
Conclusion
This Century Egg and Cucumber Salad is the ultimate balance of textures: creamy, crunchy, and crisp. The acidity of the rice vinegar perfectly cuts through the richness of the egg, while the Redbloom Chili Crisp ties the whole dish together with a smoky, spicy finish. It’s a sophisticated, refreshing side dish that’s sure to impress any guest.
