The Strangest Egg Dishes from Around the World

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Fios de Ovos

Fios de Ovos—literally “egg threads”—is a traditional Portuguese confection made by drizzling egg yolks into simmering sugar syrup, where they transform into delicate, golden strands. These bright yellow “threads” are especially popular in Portugal, Brazil, and parts of Asia, where they’re used to decorate cakes, serve as a sweet treat on their own, or add a festive touch to savory dishes.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 12 egg yolks

Instructions:

1. In a wide saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer over medium heat until it thickens into a syrup (it should coat the back of a spoon). Stir in the vanilla sugar or extract.
2. Meanwhile, strain the egg yolks through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any bits of egg white or membranes. This step ensures your threads will be smooth and delicate.
3. Reduce the heat so the syrup is gently simmering—not boiling.
4. Transfer the yolks into a piping bag or a small squeeze bottle with a fine tip. While moving in circular motions, drizzle the yolks into the syrup in thin, continuous threads. Let them cook for 20–30 seconds until set.
5. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift out the egg threads and place them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
6. Drain on paper towels. To serve, you can twist the threads gently into little nests using a fork.

Tip: These are stunning as a garnish for holiday desserts, fruit tarts, or even savory dishes like roast pork. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.