Step 1 of 6
Chawanmushi
Divide the chicken, prawns, shiitake and fish cake between four heatproof cups of about 180 ml.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Chawanmushi take?
40 min all in — 20 min prep, 20 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 cups. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Soy, Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
10 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Mixing bowl, Timer.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ½ tsp.
How much soy sauce?
1 tsp (light soy if you have it) of Soy sauce.
How much mirin?
1 tsp of Mirin.
What can I use instead?
Dashi → Light, unsalted chicken stock. The taste moves towards Chinese steamed egg, which is a fine thing. Cut the salt if the stock is seasoned.
What should I watch for?
If the water boils hard, the custard fills with holes. Keep it at a quiet bubble.
Any tips from this recipe?
Chicken thigh stays juicy in the custard. Breast goes dry and stringy in the same time. Leftover custard mixture makes a plain cup for the cook. It is the best one.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Leftover custard mixture makes a plain cup for the cook. It is the best one.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.