Straining the Egg Mixture

Pour beaten egg through a fine sieve before steaming. The custard sets smooth and glassy.

Straining the Egg Mixture
Difficulty: 1
Heat: none

Key Points

Use the finest sieve you have. Pour slowly. Skim every bubble.

Common Failures

Pressing the egg through with a spoon pushes the strings back in. Pouring fast makes new foam.

Do this

Set a fine sieve over a bowl. Pour the egg mix through slowly. Skim the foam off the top with a spoon.

Why it works

The sieve removes stringy egg white and breaks up foam. Both would leave marks in a smooth custard.

When to skip it

Skip it for scrambled eggs and rolled omelettes. Their texture hides small lumps.