Zingy Fermented Eggs Recipe

Fermented eggs are just like boiled eggs but tastier. You might be thinking, “but taste is objective”, and to that, I’ll simply nod and smile. If you like your eggs spicy, ferment them with jalapenos.

If you want your eggs light and spring-flavored, ferment them with dill. If you only like the taste of cinnamon, whether it’s Fall or not, then ferment them with cinnamon sticks!

You can add any flavor to a fermented egg, even a taste that most people would find ridiculous.

But wait, isn’t a fermented egg the same as a pickled egg? Wrong! Let me explain everything you need to know about fermented eggs.

What’s The Difference Between Fermented Eggs And Pickled Eggs?

Okay, so maybe I was a little harsh earlier. Fermented eggs and pickled eggs are very similar in taste, especially if you use salted brine for both processes.

If you usually pickle your eggs and not ferment them, and you want to compare the difference between the two processes, then you’ll find that the fermented eggs will have a little bit of a fizz, and the texture will be slightly similar to cheese.

But the taste of a fermented egg will be closer to hard boiled eggs than pickled eggs would be. 

The difference is all because of vinegar. Pickled eggs are stored in a jar in the refrigerator as they are pickled with vinegar.

Fermented eggs are stored in a jar at room temperature as they ferment with brine. 

The process is only slightly different, but the change in taste and texture makes a huge difference.

What Flavor Should I Ferment My Eggs?

Normally eggs are fermented with a simple brine and without any flavorings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the absorbing qualities of a fermented food.

Here are some tasty recommendations for you and some suggestions on where to use these flavored eggs.

• Dill –  for a light, spring flavor – good for salads 
• Garlic – for a deep, Italian flavor – good for pasta
• Onions – for a deep wintery flavor – good on their own as a snack
• Jalapenos – for a spicy and hot flavor – good with nachos
• Peppercorn – for a spicy and warm flavor – good with steaks

Of course, these are just a few examples of what you could create. Go with your gut and create whatever makes your stomach sing!

Tips Before We Start

Starting anything for the first time can be nerve wrecking, and fermenting can seem like an uncomfortable process to some people. So to make you feel at ease with my recipe, I’ve noted a couple of tips that might help you feel confident!

How Hard Boiled is your Hard Boiled Egg?

In my recipe below, I suggest that you steam your eggs instead of boiling them. If you follow this recipe, then you should add the eggs to the steamer basket after the water has already started boiling. 

You should also allow just one single layer of eggs in your basket. This will make the eggs cook faster, and they should be fully hard boiled after 18 minutes.

If you would rather hard boil your eggs the traditional way by using boiling water, then you should start counting the minutes once the water has begun to boil. The eggs should be cooked after 13 minutes.

How Long Should I Ferment My Eggs?

Generally speaking, you should ferment your eggs for 2 or 3 days, but this time scale is based on a typical room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer and in the winter, the temperatures will be very different.

In the summer, you should check your egg’s smell every now and then. If they smell rotten, then you have left them out for too long, and you should throw them away.

In the winter, you can ferment for an extra day if you want. That choice will give you more fizz in the texture of the eggs. If you like your fermented eggs to be subtle in flavor, then keep to the 2 to 3 days time scale.

Fermented Eggs Recipe

If you want to add some extra flavor to your fermented eggs, add the ingredients when we start to create the brine.

I will remind you to add these in, but it would be a great idea to get your ingredients ready at this point, right now!

Ingredients:

• Eggs – 15
• Whey – ¼ Cup
• Salt – 1 Tbsp
• Water – 1 Cup
• Any Personalized Flavors

Method:

1. Fill a saucepan with enough water to reach the bottom of your steamer basket.
2. Put the saucepan on a high heat.
3. Wait for the water to boil and create steam.
4. Turn the heat to medium.
5. Put one layer of eggs in the steamer basket.
6. Cover the saucepan and steamer basket for 18 minutes.
7. After 18 minutes, remove the eggs and place them in ice cold water.
8. Continue cooking all the remaining eggs in this method.
9. Mix the whey, salt, additional flavors, and 1 cup of water together. Do this thoroughly. Once the why and salt has dissolved, you will have made a brine.
10. When the eggs have cooled completely, you can take them out of the ice cold water and begin peeling them.
11. Once the eggs are peel, place them delicately in a jar.
12. Pour the brine over the eggs.
13. Cover the jar with a fermenting lid.
14. Keep the eggs in a dark room that stays around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
15. Wait for 2 to 3 days.
16. Store in the fridge.
17. Enjoy!