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Fried Eggs with Chiles, Tamarind Sauce, and Crispy Shallots: A Flavorful Dinner Recipe

This tangy, Malaysian-inspired dinner recipe transforms fried eggs into a gourmet delight.
Sweet and sour tamarind sauce pairs perfectly with the richness of the yolk, while crispy fried shallots add irresistible crunch and sweetness. Serve over rice or alongside lightly dressed greens for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Malaysian
Servings 4 Servings

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

Make Ahead: You can prepare the crispy shallots a day in advance; store them in an airtight container.
Variations: Substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly tamarind sauce.
For added spice, include more minced red chile in the sauce or garnish.
Keyword Asian-inspired dinner ideas, crispy shallot garnish, easy egg recipes, quick dinner recipes, tamarind egg recipe
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