Name: Scallion, Mushroom, and Shrimp Custards
Yield: Serves 4 as a first course
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons mirin; 1 teaspoon soy sauce such as Kikkoman; 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest; 4 medium shrimp; 1 scallion; 1 large mushroom

These custards are inspired by the Japanese egg custard chawan mushi, made with dashi broth (a stock of dried kelp and dried bonito flakes). We've used chicken broth for simplicity, but any broth or stock that you have on hand will work fine.

Steaming the custards gives them a delicate texture, which is enhanced by the spare use of solid ingredients (the shrimp, scallion, and mushrooms).

Recipe notes

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