What Are Quail Eggs?
In the U.S., many people enjoy chicken eggs. But you can eat other kinds of eggs too, like quail eggs. Theycome from quail (known by scientists asCoturnix japonica), which aremedium-sized birds found in Europe, North Africa, Asia, and the southern U.S.
Quail eggs are white and tan with dark brown speckling, and they're smaller than chicken eggs. They are becoming more and more popular, partly because they look delicate and make stunning toppings.
What do quail eggs taste like?
Quail eggs taste like chicken eggs but they are richer and creamier. This is because the egg has a large yolk relative to its overall size.
Quail eggs vs. chicken eggs
In general, you can cook quail eggs just like chicken eggs. But because they are so small, you will need to use more of them. In recipes, use three quail eggs for every chicken egg.
On the stove, quail eggs cook more quickly than chicken eggs. This is because of their size. But when you bake with quail eggs, you’ll need to leave them in the oven for a few extra minutes to allow the creamy yolk to get fully cooked.
Quail Eggs Nutrition
One quail egg (9 grams) contains:
- Calories: 14
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Choline: 4% of the daily value (DV)
- Riboflavin: 6% of the DV
- Folate: 2% of the DV
- Pantothenic acid: 3% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 2% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 6% of the DV
- Iron: 2% of the DV
Benefits of Quail Eggs
Rich in protein. Quail eggs are a great source of protein, which is important for many processes in your body. Proteins are made up of "building blocks" called amino acids. Your body uses these amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones, as well as to make hormones and enzymes. They can also be used as an energy source.
Balance cholesterol. Quail eggs have a high content of beneficial fatty acids that can aid heart health. In fact, 60% of the fat in quail eggs is made up of "good" fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and can help affect cholesterol levels positively.
Boost immunity. Every day our body works hard to fight off free radicals that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Quail eggs contain large amounts of vitamin A, which can help neutralize free radicals and protect your health.
Treat allergies. Quail eggs are rich in ovomucoid protein, which is known for its natural anti-allergenic properties. It helps the body fight off congestion, inflammation, and other symptoms caused by an allergic reaction.
Increase energy. Quail eggs are a great source of protein that helps give your body a boost of energy, especially when paired with a carbohydrate. This can be an effective alternative to caffeine or other stimulants when combined with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
Boost metabolism. The vitamin B found in quail eggs helps boost your metabolism and support your body’s health. Metabolism is responsible for turning food and drink into energy and building or repairing your body. Quail eggs can help support this vital process and organ functions.
Improve vision. Quail eggs contain a high amount of vitamin A, which can help prevent cataracts and other vision problems. Vitamin A also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs work properly.
Side Effects of Quail Eggs
Most quail eggs are unpasteurized. This means they haven’tbeen heated to destroy bacteria such as salmonella. Because of this, you should avoid eating raw or runny quail eggs. This is especially important if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
Don’t eat quail eggs if you are allergic to eggs, including chicken eggs.
Considerations When Eating Eggs
Eggs in general have had a changing reputation over the years. Concerns around cholesterol, protein, fat, and salmonella have come and gone.
Most recently experts agree that eggs have gotten a far worse reputation than they deserve, and it turns out that eating eggs can actually improve your cholesterol profile.
They are a healthy and delicious way to add more protein, vitamins, and minerals to your diet, so enjoy them in moderation. Talk to your health care provider about any questions or concerns about eggs (quail or otherwise), especially if you have any underlying health issues.
Where to Buy Quail Eggs
Check your local grocery store. If they don’t have quail eggs, try an Asian grocery store, natural food store, or farmer’s market. You can alsoorder them online.
If you can’t find fresh eggs, don’t worry. Some stores also sell them in jars or cans. Rinse the eggs before using them.
Quail eggs price
The cost of quail eggs depends on where you live. However, they tend to be more expensive than chicken eggs. As a result, they are often seen as a luxury food.
How to Crack Quail Eggs
Quail eggshells are tough to crack, as they are very hard. Use quail egg scissors or a paring knife to cut a small hole at the top of the egg. Then, you can pour the insides into a bowl or frying pan.
For hard-boiled quail eggs, you’ll need a different approach. Gently make a tiny crack in the shell, then roll the egg on the countertop to spread the cracks. When it’s ready, carefully peel the eggshell away. This method helps you avoid damaging the egg’s delicious insides.
How to Cook Quail Eggs
There are many ways to eat quail eggs. They can be boiled, deviled, poached, scrambled, fried, or pickled. They can make dishes seem more elegant and luxurious, but they also can level up your everyday dishes such as toast oromelets.
Because of their small size, they cook quickly on the stove. But if you bake them, their rich yolks will need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How to boil quail eggs
To boil quail eggs, fill a pan with water. Add a dash of vinegar or baking soda. This makes it easier to peel the eggs after they’re cooked.
When the water is boiling, lower the whole eggs into the pan. They should be completely covered. Boil them for 2-5 minutes. Then, pour out the hot water. Put the eggs in a bowl of ice water and let them sit for 5 minutes. Once they’re cool, you can start peeling them by making a tiny crack in the shell and gently rolling them on the counter.
If you want to add a Southern twist, you can make them into deviled eggs. First, slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the cooked egg yolk, andmix it with green onion, mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture, then top them with paprika.
Quail Egg Recipes
Here are some tasty ways to use quail eggs:
Cobb salad.Boil and slice the eggs. Sprinkle some salt and pepper, then toss with chopped lettuce, chicken, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and tomato. Top it off witha vinaigrette.
Toast. Poach the eggs. Then put them on toast with some bacon and cheese.
Ramen. Add a raw egg to a boiling bowl of ramen. You can use the broth’s heat to soft-boil the egg or scramble it into your soup.
Pickled quail eggs
Many people love pickled quail eggs, as the creamy insides perfectly complement the tangy brine. You can even make these tasty treats at home.
To make pickled quail eggs:
- Prepare the eggs.Cook them at a low boil for 10 minutes. Then, cool them off in running water and peel them. Put them in a clean glass jar.
- Make the pickling juice.Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar. Add salt, chopped onion, and your favorite spices. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes. Use a cloth to filter out the solid ingredients. Pour the hot mixture over the cooked, peeled eggs. The liquid should completely cover the eggs.
- Let it sit.The eggs should soak for 2 days (48 hours). Keep them in the refrigerator while they soak. Because pickled eggs go bad quickly, continue to store them there after they're done.
You can use the pickled eggs as a stylish topping, mix them into salads, or eat them straight out of the jar.
Takeaways
Quail eggs are a lot like chicken eggs, but are smaller and creamier. They’re used in a variety of recipes for their rich taste or as a unique topping. You can find them in many Asian grocery stores or natural food shops.
Quail Eggs FAQs
How many quail eggs equal a chicken egg?
When cooking, you can substitute three quail eggs for every chicken egg. This might affect your cooking time.
Are quail eggs healthier than chicken eggs?
Because they have larger yolks relative to their size, quail eggs have more cholesterol and fat than chicken eggs. But they also have more protein, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.
