Balut: The Exotic Filipino Delicacy - Lutong Pinoy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is balut legal in the US? ›

They are considered a great delicacy and are thought to have a therapeutic value as a food for invalids. Because balut eggs are considered an ethnic food, they are exempt from inspection and grading.

Description. A balut is a fertilized bird egg (usually a duck) which is incubated for a period of 14 to 21 days, depending on the local culture, and then steamed. The contents are eaten directly from the shell.

A balut is a fertilized duck egg. It is one of many delicacies in the Philippines.

Balut is made by boiling or steaming it for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked. Gently set in eggs, and medium simmer for about 20-30 min (I boil my eggs for about 22 min). Best served hot/warm. Mix some salt and pepper in a small dish with some lime or lemon wedges and serve with balut eggs.

Once you've cooked your balut, you might have some leftovers. So, "How Long Does Cooked Balut Last In The Fridge?" Cooked balut can last for about 4 days in the fridge. But remember, when reheating, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The question is, aside from its unique visuals, is Balut actually safe to eat? The answer is yes, Balut is more than safe to eat. The eggs are even considered healthy and recommended for their nutritious qualities. They contain proteins, have 188 calories, 2 mg of iron, and 116 mg of calcium.

But have you ever wondered why it's usually sold at night? According to Kuya Kim on "24 Oras," Thursday, there is a common belief that the boiled fertilized duck egg is an aphrodisiac, on top of being one of Filipinos' favorite hangover foods.

Fluid: The fluid portion (embryonic fluids) in balut is a mixture of amniotic fluid and allantoic fluid.

Balut are duct eggs that are considered to be one of the most common Asian delicacies. However, balut eggs have been known to be potentially hazardous food due to its high capability of acquiring elevated amounts of bacterial organisms via transovarian transmission.

Is balut Chinese or Filipino? ›

Introduction. Balut is a popularly known Filipino delicacy made from incubated duck eggs.

**Taste and Texture:** Balut has a unique and acquired taste. The flavors are a combination of rich, savory, and slightly gamey notes from the developing embryo. The texture varies from soft and gelatinous to slightly crunchy, depending on the stage of development of the embryo.

Balut, a common snack in the Philippines, is a partially formed chicken or duck, seen here without a shell. Photo courtesy of Bloomsbury.

Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo, while penoy is a fertilized egg where no embryo develops.

For a slightly runny yolk, boil an average sized duck egg for 6-7 minutes. If you want a hard-boiled egg, cook for 9 minutes. The shells are more fragile than hen eggs; to help avoid them cracking keep them at room temperature and lower them gently into the water with a slotted spoon.