Chilli Egg Gravy
A delicious Indo-Chinese dish where crispy fried boiled eggs are tossed in a savory, spicy, and slightly tangy gravy. Perfect with fried rice or hakka noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Fry the Eggs
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- c.Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool them down. Once cool, peel the eggs and pat them completely dry.
- d.Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the boiled eggs and shallow fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the outer layer is golden brown and slightly blistered. This gives them a chewy texture.
- e.Remove the fried eggs with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In the same wok, retain about 2 tablespoons of oil and discard any excess. Keep the heat on high.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly cooked but still crisp and crunchy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, white vinegar, and tomato ketchup to the wok. Stir well.
- c.Season with salt, black pepper powder, and sugar. Mix everything and cook for 1 minute until the sauces are well combined.
- d.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken the Sauce and Finish
- b.In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- c.While continuously stirring the boiling gravy, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry. This prevents lumps from forming.
- d.Continue to cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.
- e.Gently slide the fried eggs back into the gravy. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, coating the eggs well with the sauce.
- f.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra crispy egg coating, lightly dust the peeled, boiled eggs in cornflour before frying.
- 2Ensure your wok is very hot when stir-frying the vegetables to keep them crunchy.
- 3Always add the cornflour slurry to boiling gravy while stirring constantly to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- 4Adjust the amount of red chilli sauce and green chillies to suit your personal spice preference.
- 5For a richer color and flavor, use a mix of light and dark soy sauce.
- 6This dish is best served immediately, as the gravy tends to thicken as it cools.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace eggs with fried paneer cubes (for Chilli Paneer), fried tofu (for Chilli Tofu), or crispy fried mushrooms.
Dry VersionDry Version
To make a dry 'Chilli Egg' appetizer, reduce the water for the gravy to just 1/4 cup and skip the cornflour slurry. Toss the fried eggs in the thick sauce until well-coated.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced carrots, baby corn, or different colored bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish contains vitamins from capsicum (Vitamin C) and eggs (Vitamin D, B12), along with minerals like selenium and choline, which are important for brain health and immune function.
Metabolism Booster
The presence of capsaicin in green chillies and gingerol in ginger can help give a temporary boost to your metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Chilli Egg Gravy contains approximately 320-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the specific sauces. This estimate includes two eggs and a portion of the gravy.
