How to Make Steamed Gourd with Soy Sauce Dip at Home

Steamed gourd with soy sauce dip is a simple and familiar dish in many Vietnamese households. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also refreshing and nutritious, perfect for hot summer days. This article will guide you on how to make delicious and authentic steamed gourd with soy sauce dip right at home.

Ingredients for Steamed Gourd with Soy Sauce Dip

• Gourd: 1 fruit
• Duck eggs (or chicken eggs): 2
• Thai chili: 1
• Soy sauce: 4 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon

How to Choose Fresh Ingredients

• Choosing the gourd: Opt for a young gourd with fresh green skin and no bruises. It should feel soft and smooth with fine hairs, and when you pick it up, it should feel firm and not too light. Choose a gourd with a large stem still firmly attached to the body, and some sap around it, indicating it has been recently picked.
• Choosing duck eggs: Feel the surface of the eggshell; if it’s rough and slightly gritty, it’s a fresh duck egg. A smooth surface indicates the egg has been stored for a while. Hold the egg up to a light or roll it in a sheet of paper under sunlight; a small air pocket and a light orange or pink yolk indicate a fresh egg. Conversely, a large air pocket and a dark red, veiny yolk indicate an older egg. Shake the egg; if you hear a sound, it’s been stored for a while; if not, it’s fresh.

Steps to Make Steamed Gourd with Soy Sauce Dip

1. Preparing the Gourd

Peel the gourd, rinse it several times with water, and then cut it into bite-sized pieces about half a finger thick.

Tip: Don’t cut the gourd too thin, or you won’t taste its sweetness.

Peeled and sliced gourd

2. Steaming the Gourd and Eggs

Bring half a pot of water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and then add all the prepared gourd pieces. Steam for about 5 minutes.

Pot of boiling water for gourd

Once the water boils again and the gourd is cooked, remove it and soak it in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes. Finally, drain the gourd.

Tip: Soaking the gourd in cold water after steaming helps it retain its vibrant green color and a certain crispness.

Using the same pot of water, wait for it to boil again, then add the 2 duck eggs and steam for about 5 minutes. Remove the eggs, cool them in a bowl of water, and peel off the shells.

3. Completing the Dish

After peeling, cut the eggs in half or into quarters and place them in a bowl with 4 tablespoons of soy sauce and some sliced chili. Arrange the drained gourd on a plate, and you’re done.

Finished Product

The steamed gourd should be just tender enough, retaining its natural sweetness inside. The bite of the rich, creamy egg combined with the spicy soy sauce dip awakens your taste buds. This simple steamed gourd with soy sauce dip is incredibly appetizing. Give it a try!