Salted Egg (Itlog na Maalat): What it is and How it’s Used

Salted egg, or itlog na maalat in Filipino, is a type of preserved egg commonly used in Filipino cooking.

It is usually made from duck eggs that are cured in salt brine. In the Philippines, the shells are often dyed red so they can be easily recognized.

In this guide, you'll learn what salted eggs are, how they're made, and how they're used in cooking.

What is a Salted Egg?

A salted egg is an egg that has been preserved in salted water (brine). The eggs are usually duck eggs, although chicken eggs can also be used.

During the curing process, the egg white becomes firm and salty, while the yolk becomes rich and slightly oily.

In the Philippines, salted eggs are often colored red on the shell so they can be easily identified.

The red color does not affect the taste.

What Do Salted Eggs Taste Like?

Salted eggs have a salty, savory, and slightly umami flavor.

The egg white is firm and quite salty, while the yolk is rich and creamy. The yolk is usually bright orange and can be slightly oily.

Because they are very salty, salted eggs are usually eaten in small amounts. They are often sliced and served with tomatoes and onions, or added to dishes for extra flavor.

How Are Salted Eggs Made?

Salted eggs are made by soaking eggs in salt brine or covering them in a mixture of salt and clay.

The eggs are usually duck eggs, although chicken eggs can also be used.

They are left to cure for about 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the salt slowly moves into the egg, which changes the flavor and texture.

After curing, the eggs are boiled or steamed before they are eaten. In the Philippines, the shells are often colored red so people can easily tell them apart from regular eggs.

How to Buy Salted Eggs

Salted eggs are usually sold in Asian or Filipino grocery stores.

They are often made with duck eggs and may have red-colored shells so they are easy to recognize.

You may also find them with white shells, sometimes sold vacuum-packed in plastic.

When buying salted eggs, check that the shells are clean and not cracked. Cracked eggs may spoil more quickly.

How to Store Salted Eggs

Salted eggs can be stored in the refrigerator to help them last longer.

If they are uncooked, keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.

If they are already cooked, store them in the refrigerator and use them within about 1 week.

As with any food, discard them if you notice an unusual smell, discoloration, or cracks in the shell.

How to Open Salted Eggs

Salted eggs are usually already cooked, so they are ready to eat once opened.

Step 1: Crack the shell

Tap the egg on a hard surface or gently crack it with a knife.

Step 2: Cut the egg

Once the shell is cracked, cut the egg in half with a knife.

Step 3: Scoop or slice

Use a spoon to scoop out the egg, or slice it into pieces for your dish.

Filipino Recipes with Salted Egg

Salted eggs are usually not eaten on their own because they are very salty. They are often added to dishes to give them more flavor.

Here are some Filipino dishes that use salted eggs:

• Ensaladang itlog na maalat: A simple salad made with salted eggs, tomatoes, and onions.
• Salted egg siopao: Steamed buns filled with meat and pieces of salted egg.
• Ensaladang talong: Grilled eggplant with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes salted eggs.
• Bibingka: A rice cake topped with salted eggs and cheese.

FAQs About Salted Eggs