Hột Vịt Lộn is a popular Filipino street food consisting of a nearly developed embryonic egg, usually from a duck or chicken. The egg is boiled and eaten directly from the shell. To eat balut, you crack open the top of the cooked egg shell and sip the broth inside before removing the rest of the shell. The embryo will be nearly fully formed, and the yolk should still be soft or partially liquid. Balut is eaten by biting off pieces of the chick along with mouthfuls of the yolk. Find out how to eat Hột Vịt Lộn right in the article – join us to find out now.
What Does Hột Vịt Lộn Mean?
Hột vịt lộn (pronounced “hot vit lon”) is a Vietnamese dish made from fertilized duck eggs that are boiled and eaten. The dish is considered a delicacy in Vietnam and some other parts of Southeast Asia. The eggs are typically eaten while still warm, sometimes dipped in a spicy seasoning. The texture and flavor is quite unique. Some people find it delicious, while others are put off by the idea of eating a partially developed duck embryo. It’s an adventurous food that takes an open mind to appreciate.
How to Cook Hột Vịt Lộn?
Balut is simple to prepare. Here are some tips for cooking balut to perfection:
Boiling Hột Vịt Lộn
- Use a large pot and bring water to a rolling boil.
- Gently place eggs in the water and continue boiling for 15-20 minutes.
- Cooking time will vary based on size and embryo development.
- Balut is ready when the shell is cracked but still pliable.
Steaming Hột Vịt Lộn
- Place eggs in a steamer basket or bamboo steamer.
- Steam for 15-20 minutes over rapidly boiling water.
- Check frequently and remove once eggs are cooked through.
No matter which cooking method you use, avoid overcooking as this will make the balut tough and rubbery. Cook just until the embryo and yolk are warmed through and firm.
How to Eat Hột Vịt Lộn?
Eating balut takes a little skill but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. Here are some tips:
Choosing Your Balut
- Look for eggs that feel heavy and shake slightly – this means the embryo has developed.
- Avoid cracked eggs or eggs that feel very light.
- Pick balut eggs that have been cooked recently for optimal freshness.
Opening the Egg
- Tap the top of the egg lightly to create cracks in the shell.
- Make a small hole and sip the warm broth inside.
- Continue cracking the top half of the shell open.
- Remove any stray bits of shell.
Eating the Balut
- Season with salt, pepper, vinegar, chili, etc according to taste.
- Eat the yolk first – it should be soft like a hard-boiled egg yolk.
- Remove the embryo and eat it either whole or in bites.
- The embryo will look like a small chick, with bones, feathers, beak, etc.
- You can also eat the remaining egg white lining the shell.
Tips For Hột Vịt Lộn Newbies
- Try balut that is 14-16 days old if you’re squeamish about eating the embryo. At this stage, there will only be a small chick inside.
- Eat it straight from the shell to avoid looking at the embryo if it bothers you.
- Drink beer, coconut juice, or soda with your balut.
Balut Myths and Facts
Balut has been both celebrated and misunderstood. Here are some common myths and realities about this unique food:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Balut contains a fully developed duckling | The embryo inside is only partially developed and nowhere near ready to hatch. |
| It is illegal or taboo in the Philippines | Balut is completely legal and widely enjoyed in the Philippines. |
| Balut tastes bad | It has a mild savory flavor similar to broth and hard-boiled egg yolk. The embryo is tender with a meaty texture. |
| Only the daredevils eat balut | It is considered a common snack for all ages and sold widely from street stalls. |
| Balut is not healthy | Balut is high in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B2 and B12. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does balut taste good?
The broth is savory and the yolk is just like a hard-boiled egg. The embryo has a mild duck flavor with a firm, chewy texture. Overall, balut tastes great!
What is the texture of balut?
The broth is like a savory soup. The yolk is creamy and the embryo is tender but chewy. The textures blend together nicely in one package.
What are some popular balut recipes?
- Balut eggs and tomatoes – Balut served over sliced tomatoes and spiced with chili peppers.
- Balut salads – Chopped balut mixed with vegetables like shredded papaya or green mangoes.
- Balut omelets – Diced balut fried with onions and eggs.
How does balut compare to other exotic foods?
It’s much tamer than century eggs or snake wine. The embryo has a milder flavor than duck meat. Balut is a soft introduction to unusual foods.
Conclusion: Hột Vịt Lộn
Balut is a tasty snack with a long cultural tradition in Southeast Asia. Its broth makes a nutritious drink while the yolk and embryo offer soft and meaty textures. While eating partially incubated eggs may seem intimidating, balut has a mild savory flavor worth trying. With an open mind and a sense of adventure, balut can be an enjoyable new food experience. The next time you travel in the Philippines or Vietnam, grab a balut from a street stall and eat like a local.
How to Eat Hột Vịt Lộn
Notes
- Hột vịt lộn is typically eaten fresh, so it's best to buy them from a reputable vendor.
- If you're not comfortable eating the duckling, you can just enjoy the yolk and the broth.
- Some people like to add a squeeze of calamansi or lime juice to their hột vịt lộn for an extra zing.
- Hột vịt lộn can be a bit messy to eat, so it's best to have a napkin or two on hand.
Ingredients
- Main:
- o 16 Hột Vịt Lộn/Balut Eggs (4 per person)
- Condiments:
- o Salt
- o Black pepper
- o Bunch of Rau Ram (Vietnamese coriander), rinsed
- Optional (for a more flavorful experience):
- • A small bowl of chopped chilies (for spice lovers)
- • A squeeze of lime or calamansi
- • A dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic (recipe readily available online)
Instructions
- Gather your supplies. You'll need a hột vịt lộn (balut egg), a small bowl, a spoon, salt, pepper, and rau răm (Vietnamese coriander), a leafy herb with a distinct flavor that complements the balut.
- Crack the egg. Carefully tap the top of the egg with a spoon or a small object until a small crack appears. Be careful not to crack the egg too much, or the broth inside will spill out.
- Peel back the shell. Once you have a crack, carefully peel back a small piece of the shell to create an opening.
- Season and enjoy the broth. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper into the opening. You can then tilt the egg over your bowl and slurp up the flavorful broth inside.
- Eat the egg. There are two parts to the edible part of the egg: the yolk and the developing duckling. You can eat the yolk like you would any other egg yolk. If you're comfortable, you can also eat the duckling. Some people prefer to remove the bones first.
- Enjoy with rau răm. Take a bite of the egg or duckling, followed by a leaf of rau răm. The herb helps to cut through the richness of the egg and adds a refreshing flavor.
Nutrition Facts
How to Eat Hột Vịt Lộn
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 8 | 12.3% | |
| Saturated Fat 3 | 15% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 180mg | 60% | |
| Sodium 200mg | 8.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 2 | 0.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1 | 4% | |
| Sugars 1 | ||
| Protein 12 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 0 | Iron 0 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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