Dashi-Infused Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky steamed egg custard delicately infused with dashi broth, enriched with tender chicken and earthy shiitake mushrooms for a comforting appetizer. This japanese ready in about 25 minutes pairs large eggs, dashi stock, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, gently beat 3 large eggs without creating foam. Add 1 cup dashi stock, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp mirin, and 1/4 tsp salt, stirring slowly to combine into a smooth custard base.
  2. Step 2: Divide 50g small chicken thigh pieces and 2 thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms evenly among 2 heatproof cups or ramekins. Add optional 2 slices kamaboko if using.
  3. Step 3: Carefully pour the egg mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the cups to remove any lumps, filling about 3/4 full.
  4. Step 4: Cover each cup tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. Set up a steamer with boiling water and steam the custards over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the water does not boil vigorously (to avoid holes in custard).
  5. Step 5: Test for doneness by gently shaking the cup; the custard should be set but slightly wobbly in the center. Garnish with 1 thinly sliced scallion stalk before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dashi-Infused Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Dashi-Infused Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large eggs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dashi-Infused Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Dashi-Infused Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Dashi-Infused Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Chicken?

Japanese japanese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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