Vegetarian Chawanmushi

Delight in the delicate flavors of this Vegetarian Chawanmushi, a refined take on the classic Japanese savory custard. Silky smooth and beautifully infused with umami from vegetarian dashi, this dish is studded with tender shiitake mushrooms, vibrant carrots, spinach, and creamy tofu. A hint of soy sauce and mirin adds depth, while the gentle steaming process creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, this vegetarian twist on traditional chawanmushi is a comforting, protein-packed recipe fit for any occasion. Garnished with nori for an elegant finish, it’s a wholesome and versatile dish that showcases the art of Japanese cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 Eggs
• 2 cups Vegetarian dashi
• 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Mirin
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 4 Shiitake mushrooms
• 8 Spinach leaves
• 1 small Carrot
• 100 grams Firm tofu
• 0.5 Nori sheets

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the vegetables and tofu. Thinly slice the shiitake mushrooms. Peel and thinly slice the carrot into rounds. Cut spinach leaves into smaller pieces if they are too large. Dice the firm tofu into small cubes around 1 cm.

Step 2

Prepare the vegetarian dashi by using a packet, or make it by soaking kombu (dried kelp) and dried shiitake mushrooms in water for at least 30 minutes, then strain.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs gently to avoid creating bubbles. Add the vegetarian dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Mix well to combine.

Step 4

Strain the egg and dashi mixture through a fine sieve into another bowl to ensure a smooth texture.

Step 5

Divide the mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and tofu evenly into four chawanmushi cups or ramekins.

Step 6

Gently pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in each cup, filling them nearly to the top.

Step 7

Cover each cup with aluminum foil or a lid to prevent water from entering during steaming.

Step 8

Bring water to a gentle simmer in a large pot or steamer, ensuring it is not at a rolling boil. Place the cups inside and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 9

Steam over medium-low heat for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is just set. You can test by inserting a skewer into the middle; it should come out clean.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the chawanmushi from the steamer, uncover, and allow to cool slightly.

Step 11

Garnish with small strips of nori and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1356.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	576.9

Total Fat 26.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 2511.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 42.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.0g
Protein 50.9g	0%

Vitamin D 214.4IU	0%
Calcium 548.6mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 2865.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.6%

Protein: 33.3%

Carbs: 28.1%