Tired of the same old dinner ideas? This mouthwatering fried egg recipe is here to transform your mealtime routine. With a tangy tamarind sauce, spicy chiles, and crispy shallots, this dish delivers the perfect balance of bold flavors and textures.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty main course or a creative twist on comfort food, this dinner recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is packed with flavor and Mediterranean-inspired elegance. The tamarind sauce adds a sweet and sour zing, while crispy shallots provide an irresistible crunch.
The dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile—serve it over a bed of rice, alongside fresh greens, or as part of a larger Mediterranean spread. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Crispy Shallots: Don’t skip frying the shallots—they’re the highlight of the dish! Make them a day ahead to save time, and use the flavorful oil for frying the eggs.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the tamarind sauce to your taste by adding a touch more sugar for sweetness or lime juice for extra tang.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with coconut rice or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Easy Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari in place of fish sauce to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Vegetarian: Swap out the fish sauce for soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative for a plant-based version.
- Low-Carb: Skip the rice and serve the eggs over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Make It Your Own
Experiment with different garnishes like fresh herbs or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. Adjust the spice level to suit your preference by adding more or fewer chiles.
This dish is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Fried Eggs with Chiles, Tamarind Sauce, and Crispy Shallots: A Flavorful Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Medium skillet
- Paper towels for draining oil
- Spatula
Ingredients
BASIC VERSION
Crispy Shallots:
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 6 medium shallots 10 ounces total, thinly sliced
- Fine sea salt to taste
Tamarind Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste or concentrate
- 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Eggs and Garnish:
- 8 large eggs
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 fresh hot red chile seeded and minced
- Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish
- Cooked white brown, or coconut rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Crispy Shallots:
- Heat peanut oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add sliced shallots in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried shallots to a paper towel-lined plate. Season with a pinch of fine sea salt. Reserve the shallot-flavored oil for later.
- Make the Tamarind Sauce:
- In the same skillet, combine tamarind paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well-blended. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the Eggs:
- Reheat the reserved shallot oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into the skillet, frying in batches if needed. Cook until the whites are set, and edges are crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on top.
- Assemble and Garnish:
- Plate the eggs over a bed of cooked rice. Drizzle tamarind sauce generously over the eggs.
- Sprinkle crispy shallots, minced chile, and fresh cilantro sprigs over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.