Xīhúlu chǎo jīdàn
Xīhúlu chǎo jīdàn (西葫芦炒鸡蛋) is a simple Chinese home-style dish that combines soft pieces of scrambled egg with tender, quickly stir-fried courgette. The result is a mild, creamy and light dish that goes perfectly with a bowl of steamed white rice, as part of an easy weekday meal.
Serves: 4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium courgettes
- 4 eggs
- 2–3 tablespoons sunflower or groundnut oil
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 spring onion
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, to finish
Preparation
- Wash the courgettes and slice them into thin half-moons or diagonal slices (about 3–4 mm thick).
- Clean the spring onion and slice into thin rings.
- If you like, keep the white and green parts separate: the white part for the pan and the green part for garnish.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt, the light soy sauce and, if desired, 1–2 tablespoons of water for a slightly fluffier result.
- Beat the eggs until the mixture is uniform.
Method
- Cook the eggs
Heat 1–1½ tablespoons of oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high to high heat. Pour the egg mixture into the hot pan. Let it set briefly around the edges, then push the set egg towards the centre with a spatula so that large, soft curds form. Cook until the egg is just set but still creamy; it should not dry out. Remove the scrambled egg from the pan and set aside on a plate. - Stir-fry the courgette
Add the remaining oil to the same pan and let it get hot again. If you like, briefly sauté the white part of the spring onion (about 30 seconds). Add the courgette and stir-fry over a high heat for 2–4 minutes, until the slices are soft but still firm and lightly glossy. Season with a little salt and white pepper. Taste and adjust if needed. - Combine everything
Return the scrambled egg to the pan with the courgette. Stir gently to mix everything evenly. Heat through for about 1 more minute over a low to medium-high heat. Taste again and add extra salt or white pepper if needed. - Finish and serve
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the green part of the spring onion. Drizzle with a little sesame oil, if you like. Serve immediately, preferably with steamed white rice and, if you wish, one or two other simple dishes.
