Balut is a popular street food in the Philippines made from a fertilized duck egg that has been incubated for about 14 to 21 days, then boiled and eaten with a sprinkle of salt or vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1piecefertilized duck egg (14 to 21 days old)
- 1Lwater
- 1dashsalt
- 1tbspvinegar
How to make Balut
Select the Eggs
Choose fertilized duck eggs from a reliable source. The typical ages for balut are around 14 to 21 days.
Boil the Eggs
Place the eggs in a pot and cover them with enough water to submerge the eggs completely.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Cooling
Once boiled, remove the eggs from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. You can also place them in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Serving
To eat, gently tap the larger end of the egg to crack it open.
Pour or sip out a bit of the broth inside (be careful, it's hot).
Sprinkle salt or dip it in vinegar for flavor.
Continue to peel the shell and enjoy the contents of the egg, including the developing embryo.
Tips & Tricks
Balut is often enjoyed with a refreshing drink, as it can be rich and savory.
It’s common to eat balut late at night as a snack in many areas of the Philippines.
