Vida Recetas Editorial
Balut is a fertilized duck egg incubated for 14 to 21 days and boiled whole to be eaten warm, straight from the shell. It is a gem of Filipino street food: sold at night from stalls, kept warm with sand and seasoned with salt and vinegar. For some it is a delicacy; for others, a dare.
The incubation days change everything: a 16 to 18 day balut has a small embryo, more broth and a milder flavor, perfect for first-timers; a 19 to 21 day one is firmer and more developed. Vietnam has a sister version, trứng vịt lộn, eaten with salt, lime and coriander.
Which incubation days should I choose? For your first time, 16 to 18 days: small embryo, more broth and a milder flavor.
How long do you boil it? From 20 to 30 minutes depending on development: 20 for 14 to 16 day eggs, 25 for 16 to 18 and 30 for 19 to 21.
How do you eat it without spilling the broth? Tap the wider end, open a small window and drink the warm broth first.
How long does cooked balut last in the fridge? Up to 3 days in an airtight container; reheat in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Start by carefully washing the Balut eggs under running water.
In a large pot, bring enough water to a boil to completely submerge the Balut eggs.
Once the water is boiling, gently place the Balut eggs in the pot. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
After simmering, remove the Balut eggs from the water and let them cool for a few minutes.
To eat, tap the wider end of the Balut egg to crack the shell. Peel off enough shell to expose the contents.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the exposed Balut, and you can also dip it in vinegar for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Balut, a unique Filipino delicacy!
This recipe has a medium difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 10 minutes and the cooking time is 25 minutes.
This recipe is designed for 4 servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.
