Eggs on the breakfast table are hardly a surprise, but if they are the ‘son-in-law eggs’, one has to make sure that they’re not in trouble. Son-in-law eggs, as they are funnily named, are a popular delicacy from Thai cuisine. One cannot miss out on trying these eggs, even though there might be some ‘danger’ involved.
These are hard-boiled eggs that are deep-fried. Also known as ‘Kai Look Kuey’, the name translates to ‘son-in-law’ in Thai language. The eggs are covered in various sauces that lend the dish a sweet and sour taste. The eggs are part of Thai street fare and are also commonly prepared for children in the morning. Now you may ask, why are they called so.
Mystery Behind The Name
Although there is no clear explanation or evidence of the etymology, Thai lore suggests that these eggs were named by a mother-in-law and we aren’t surprised. It is said that the mother immensely loved her daughter and wanted her to live a happy and married life. However, soon after marriage, she discovered that her son-in-law was mistreating her daughter and she wasn’t very happy with him.
In order to teach him a lesson, she invited both of them home for dinner. On the table, she served two hard-boiled that had been deep-fried, covered in a creamy caramel sauce. As soon as the husband dug into the dish, he realised that there was a hidden meaning behind this food. The mother had prepared it as a punishment as well as warning sign to the son-in-law to mend his ways and treat his daughter properly, or else, his pair of ‘jewels’ would be next in line to be deep-fried.
The interesting part is that although the son-in-law eggs are believed to be a threat to the man, once you taste a bite of it, it would hardly feel like one. More than a punishment, the eggs are a close cousin of lighter scotch eggs and a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by one and all. Not just son-in-laws, this eggy delight is children’s favourite too.
People love the runny and soft yolk that breaks open when you crack the eggs. The crispy exteriors are complemented by the soft and creamy insides, which are then covered in a caramel dressing, made using a sweet and sour sauce that includes tamarind, shallots, coriander, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Top it with some fried chillies and the delicious breakfast is ready. The golden fried eggs are surely something that one cannot say no to, even if that might mean facing the wrath of their mother-in-law.
