Tex-Mex Migas
Crispy fried corn tortilla strips scrambled with fluffy eggs, onions, and jalapeños, all held together with melted cheese. A classic Tex-Mex breakfast that's hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weekend brunch!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Fry Tortilla Strips
- b.Cut the corn tortillas into 1/2-inch wide strips.
- c.Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- d.Working in 2-3 batches, add the tortilla strips to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Carefully pour out all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and minced jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- d.Add the diced roma tomato and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until it begins to soften and break down.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Scramble the Eggs
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper until the yolks and whites are just combined. Do not over-whisk.
- c.Pour the egg mixture into the skillet over the sautéed vegetables.
- d.Let the eggs cook undisturbed for about 30-45 seconds, until the edges start to set.
- e.Using a spatula, gently push the cooked eggs from the edges toward the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow to the hot surface. Continue this process, creating large, soft curds.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Melt Cheese
- b.When the eggs are about 80% cooked but still look moist, add the fried tortilla strips and the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- c.Gently fold everything together until the tortilla strips are well-distributed and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- d.Cook for another 30-60 seconds until the eggs are cooked to your preference. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Divide the migas among four plates.
- c.Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.
- d.Serve immediately with your favorite salsa, hot sauce, or a side of refried beans.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use stale or day-old corn tortillas. They have less moisture and will fry up much crispier.
- 2To save time, you can use store-bought tortilla chips. Choose a thick, sturdy variety.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when frying tortillas; this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy strips.
- 4For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of crumbled chorizo or bacon bits with the onions.
- 5Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and whether you include the seeds and membranes.
- 6Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go (mise en place), as the final cooking stages happen very quickly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Sauté 1/4 lb of chorizo, bacon, or soyrizo before adding the onions for a heartier dish.
Different CheeseDifferent Cheese
Swap Monterey Jack for a Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled cotija cheese for a saltier finish.
Migas a la MexicanaMigas a la Mexicana
Increase the amount of tomato and use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños for a more traditional Mexican style.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (any color) or sliced mushrooms along with the onions for more nutrients and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
With eight large eggs and a cup of cheese, this dish is packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you full and satisfied for hours.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
The corn tortillas provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy. They offer a steady release of fuel to power you through your morning.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this Tex-Mex Migas recipe contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed and the specific toppings used.
