Chilli Egg Dry
Crispy fried boiled eggs tossed in a fiery, tangy Indo-Chinese sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. A perfect appetizer that's packed with flavor and ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Prepare Eggs
- b.Place 8 large eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least one inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
- d.Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run under cold water for 2-3 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- e.Carefully peel the hard-boiled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Batter
- b.In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, ginger garlic paste, Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp of black pepper powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- c.Gradually add about 1/2 cup of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Eggs
- b.Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles and floats to the top.
- c.Gently dip each egg half into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and let any excess drip off.
- d.Carefully slide the battered eggs into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 4-5 to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- e.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- f.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried eggs and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Chilli Sauce
- b.In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil over high heat.
- c.Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, keeping the heat high to ensure the vegetables remain crisp-tender.
- e.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
- f.Stir everything well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 1 minute until it slightly thickens.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the crispy fried egg halves to the wok with the prepared sauce.
- c.Gently toss to coat the eggs evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to break the eggs or make the coating soggy by over-mixing.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately as a hot and crispy appetizer.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly centered yolks, stir the eggs gently for the first minute of boiling.
- 2Ensure your batter is thick. If it's too thin, the coating won't be crispy. Add a little more flour if needed.
- 3Fry the eggs in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, soft eggs.
- 4The stir-frying process is very fast. Have all your sauces and chopped vegetables ready (mise en place) before you start.
- 5To maintain the crunch of the vegetables, stir-fry them on high heat for a very short time.
- 6Serve immediately. The crispy coating on the eggs will soften as it sits in the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the boiled eggs with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or firm tofu. Coat and fry them in the same way for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Gravy VersionGravy Version
To make Chilli Egg with gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce in Step 4 and simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other stir-fry friendly vegetables like sliced carrots, broccoli florets, or different colored bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the battered eggs with a few tablespoons of oil until golden, or bake them in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Eggs are packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which are vital for bone health, brain function, and a healthy immune system.
Boosts Energy
The combination of protein and healthy fats in eggs provides a sustained release of energy, helping you feel full and energized for longer periods.
Frequently asked questions
Chilli Egg Dry is a source of high-quality protein from the eggs. However, it is deep-fried, which increases its calorie and fat content. It can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a healthier version, consider pan-frying or air-frying the eggs.