Thread Egg
A unique and crispy Indian street food snack. A hard-boiled egg is coated in a spicy batter, wrapped in delicate noodle threads, and deep-fried to a perfect golden crunch. An irresistible appetizer!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Peel Eggs
- b.Place 4 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.Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then carefully peel and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Batter and Threads
- b.In a mixing bowl, whisk together the besan, rice flour, corn starch, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
- c.Gradually add water while whisking continuously to form a thick, smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to a thick pancake batter, able to coat the back of a spoon without being runny.
- d.On a separate wide plate or tray, take the rice vermicelli and lightly crush it with your hands into pieces about 1-2 inches long.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat the Eggs
- b.Take one dry, peeled egg and dip it into the batter, using a spoon to ensure it's completely and evenly coated.
- c.Lift the egg out, allowing any excess batter to drip back into the bowl for a few seconds.
- d.Immediately place the batter-coated egg onto the plate of crushed vermicelli. Gently roll and press the threads onto the egg until the entire surface is covered. Set aside on a clean plate and repeat for all eggs.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Deep Fry to Perfection
- b.Heat the oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
- c.Carefully slide 2 coated eggs into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning gently with a slotted spoon, until the threads are a deep golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- e.Remove the fried eggs and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Let the Thread Eggs rest for a minute to cool slightly. Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled eggs are completely dry before dipping in batter; moisture will prevent the batter from sticking properly.
- 2The batter consistency is key. If it's too thin, the threads won't adhere; if it's too thick, the coating will be doughy. Adjust with a little more besan or water as needed.
- 3Maintain a consistent oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the batter cooks through. If it's not hot enough, the eggs will absorb too much oil.
- 4Press the vermicelli threads firmly but gently onto the batter to ensure they stick well during frying.
- 5For the best texture, serve immediately after frying while they are still hot and crispy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Coating
For a different texture, replace rice vermicelli with crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or Indian sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles).
FlavorFlavor
Add 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala or amchur (dry mango powder) to the batter for a tangy and zesty flavor profile.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Increase the heat by adding 1-2 finely chopped green chilies or a pinch of black pepper to the batter.
Stuffed VersionStuffed Version
Carefully halve the boiled eggs, scoop out the yolks, mash them with spices like chaat masala and finely chopped onions, refill the egg whites, join the halves, and then proceed with coating and frying.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids required for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Nutrients
Eggs are a natural source of important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which support bone health, brain function, and the immune system.
Provides Energy
The combination of protein from eggs and carbohydrates from the flour and vermicelli coating offers a substantial energy boost, making it a very satisfying and filling snack.
Frequently asked questions
One Thread Egg contains approximately 250-300 calories, primarily from the egg, batter, and absorbed oil during deep-frying.