Quail eggs, called itlog ng pugo in the Philippines, are small eggs with speckled shells. Even though they're tiny, they're used in many dishes.
In Filipino cooking, you'll often see them in foods like kwek-kwek, pancit, soups, and vegetable stir-fries. They cook quickly and add a nice bite to different dishes.
In this guide, we'll look at what quail eggs are, how they differ from chicken eggs, and how they're used in Filipino cooking.
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What Are Quail Eggs?
Quail eggs are eggs laid by quails, which are small birds.
They are much smaller than chicken eggs and have thin shells with brown speckles. Inside, they have more yolk compared to the white.
Quail eggs can be cooked the same way as chicken eggs. They can be boiled, fried, or added to different dishes.
Quail Eggs vs Chicken Eggs
Quail eggs and chicken eggs taste similar, but there are a few differences.
Size
Quail eggs are much smaller - about ⅓ the size of a chicken egg.
Shell
Quail eggs usually have beige shells with brown speckles. The shells are also a bit thicker and harder to crack.
Flavor
They taste similar to chicken eggs, though the flavor can be slightly stronger because they have more yolk compared to the white.
Cooking time
Because they're small, quail eggs cook much faster. Boiling usually takes about 2 to 4 minutes, depending on how firm you want the yolk.
Nutrition
Quail eggs contain protein, vitamins, and minerals similar to chicken eggs.
Availability
Quail eggs are less common than chicken eggs and are usually sold in Asian grocery stores or specialty markets.
How to Buy Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are often sold in small cartons at Asian grocery stores, specialty markets, and some supermarkets.
Choose eggs with clean shells and no cracks. They should feel heavy for their size.
The shell color can vary from beige to brown with dark speckles, but the color doesn't affect the taste or quality of the eggs.
How to Store Quail Eggs
Store quail eggs in the refrigerator, just like chicken eggs. They usually keep well for about 2 to 3 weeks when refrigerated.
Keep them in their carton to protect the shells and help prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.
How to Prepare Quail Eggs
Quail eggs can be cooked like chicken eggs, but the shells are thicker and a little harder to crack.
Option 1: Crack and open by hand
Tap the egg gently on a hard surface to create a small crack.
Use your fingers to pull the shell apart and release the egg.
Option 2: Cut the top
Carefully cut across the top of the egg with a small knife and remove the top part of the shell.
You can also use special quail egg scissors designed to cut the top of the shell cleanly.
How to Cook Quail Eggs
Quail eggs can be cooked much like chicken eggs. The two most common ways are boiling and frying.
Boiled quail eggs
Boiling is the most common method. Cook them for about 2 to 4 minutes, depending on how firm you want the yolk.
Boiled quail eggs are often added to salads, soups, noodle dishes, or served as a snack.
Fried quail eggs
Quail eggs can also be fried in a pan just like chicken eggs. Because they're small, they cook very quickly and are often used as a topping for different dishes.
Filipino Recipes That Use Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are used in many Filipino dishes. They're often added for extra flavor and texture.
- Kwek-kwek: Hard-boiled quail eggs coated in an orange batter and deep-fried. It's a popular Filipino street food usually served with spiced vinegar.
- Chopsuey: A vegetable stir-fry with meat or seafood.
- Corn soup: A warm soup made with corn and chicken broth.
- Picadillo: Ground meat cooked with tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- Pancit canton and pancit bihon: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein.
FAQs About Quail Eggs
They taste very similar to chicken eggs, though the flavor can be slightly stronger.
Quail eggs usually take about 2 to 4 minutes to boil, depending on how firm you want the yolk.
Yes. They can be boiled, fried, or added to many dishes, just like chicken eggs.
More Filipino Food Guide
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Chris says
The kwek kwek looks so good. They don’t sell them like that. Lol.
Nora Rey says
Hi Chris,
I'm glad the kwek kwek caught your eye! It's a popular street food in the Philippines and perfect for snacking on the go. If you can't find them for sale, have you considered making them at home? They're pretty easy to make with just a few ingredients and can be a fun project in the kitchen.