Chilli Egg
Crispy fried eggs tossed in a vibrant, spicy, and tangy Indo-Chinese sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. A fantastic appetizer or side dish that comes together quickly and is bursting with flavor.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Boil, peel, and prepare the eggs
- a.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Drain, cool in ice water, peel, and cut each egg in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- 2
Prepare the batter
- a.In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Gradually add about 1/2 cup of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter with a medium-thick consistency, similar to pancake batter.
- 3
Fry the eggs
- a.Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or kadai over medium-high heat. Pat the egg halves dry, dip each one into the batter to coat completely, and carefully slide into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
- 4
Sauté aromatics and vegetables
- a.In a separate large wok or pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over high heat. Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed onion and green bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still have a crunch.
- 5
Create and thicken the sauce
- a.Reduce the heat to medium. Add soy sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, 0.25 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the pan, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- 6
Combine and serve
- a.Add the crispy fried eggs to the wok with the sauce. Gently toss to coat them evenly without breaking them. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy eggs, you can double-coat them: dip in batter, then in dry cornflour, and then fry.
- 2Ensure the oil is hot (around 180°C or 350°F) before frying to prevent the eggs from absorbing too much oil.
- 3Have all your chopped vegetables and sauces ready before you start stir-frying (mise en place), as the process is very fast.
- 4Do not overcook the bell peppers and onions; they should remain crisp to provide a textural contrast.
- 5Adjust the amount of red chilli sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- 6Toss the fried eggs in the sauce just before serving to maintain their crispiness for as long as possible.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gravy Version
To make a gravy version perfect for serving with steamed rice, increase the water for the cornflour slurry from 1/4 cup to 1 cup.
Add More VegetablesAdd More Vegetables
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn along with the onions and bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
For extra heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli flakes along with the sauces or use a spicier variety of red chilli sauce.
Sweet and Sour TwistSweet and Sour Twist
Add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the sauce along with the other condiments to give it a balanced sweet and sour flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish provides essential nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and selenium from eggs, and Vitamin C from the bell peppers, which supports immune function and bone health.
Provides an Energy Boost
The combination of protein from eggs and carbohydrates from the batter and vegetables offers a quick and sustained energy release, making it a satisfying dish.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Chilli Egg (about 2 pieces) contains approximately 350-450 calories, primarily from the deep-fried eggs and the sauces. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.