Japanese Egg Custards with shrimp

Known in Japan as chawanmushi, this is pure comfort food. Eggs, dashi (the basic stock of Japan), chicken, shrimp, and vegetables are combined to create a silky, savory custard that is steamed or baked in a hot-water bath. Chawanmushi means “teacup steam,” and special cups with lids for this dish are sold in Japanese or other well-stocked grocery stores. Custard cups are a perfect substitute.