Must-Try Breakfast: TikTok’s Viral Fried Eggs With Pesto and Chili Crisp

I love fried eggs. As someone who recently converted from scrambled, a fried egg makes any breakfast better. But are you making them the most delicious way possible? Two viral TikTok recipes are here to change your fried egg game, and you might not want to go back to the original. The secrets to both? They focus on adding delicious ingredients to the pan before cracking: pesto for a burst of garlic and fresh herbs and chili crisp for a fiery touch. Plus, they add no time to your morning routine. Let’s get cracking with these viral TikTok fried eggs.

All about the viral TikTok fried eggs

TikTok has a knack for getting creative with classic dishes, and eggs are no exception. Two viral recipes that have taken over the platform are pesto fried eggs and chili crisp eggs.

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. The pesto infuses the egg with a rich, herby flavor. Watch the TikTok video below to see the results:

Chili crisp is a spicy, crunchy condiment made from chili peppers, fried garlic and fermented soybeans, offering a blend of heat, umami and texture. See the process in this TikTok video below:

Tips for making perfect TikTok fried eggs

I found both recipes to be very easy thanks to these helpful tips:

1. Use high-quality ingredients

High-quality pesto and chili crisp can make a significant difference. The pesto will have a more vibrant and herbaceous flavor, while a quality chili crisp will provide the perfect balance of spice and crunch.

2. Control the heat

When cooking with pesto or chili crisp, use medium-low heat to prevent burning. Both condiments contain oils that can burn and sputter easily, so cooking at a lower temperature helps maintain their flavors and ensures the eggs cook evenly.

3. Preheat the pan

Make sure your non-stick skillet is properly preheated before adding the pesto or chili crisp. This helps to evenly distribute the heat and ensures that the eggs cook without sticking to the pan.

4. Season lightly

Both pesto and chili crisp are packed with flavor, so you don’t need to add much extra seasoning. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper will do the trick.

Pesto fried eggs recipe

This simple recipe from Cooking with Ayeh takes five minutes to make. Add some chili flakes for spice and serve it over toasted sourdough bread for a gourmet-made-easy breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 Tbs. basil pesto

• 2 eggs

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Chili flakes, optional

Directions: 

• Total Time: five minutes

• Yield: 1 serving

1. Add the pesto to a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. You won’t need to add any oil or butter as there’s enough oil in the pesto.

2. Crack in the eggs and cook eggs to your liking, whether that’s scrambled, fried or sunny side up.

3. Season with salt and pepper and some chili flakes, if desired.

4. Serve with toasted bread.

Chili crisp fried eggs recipe

This 10-minute recipe from The Kitchn adds toasted seseme oil for a subtle, nutty flavor. Serve these eggs over a bowl of rice with soy sauce and scallions for a heartier meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. chili crisp

• 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

• 1 medium scallion

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• 2 large eggs

• Toast or a warm bowl of rice, for serving, optional

• Furikake, for garnish

Directions:

• Total Time: 10 minutes

• Yield: 1 servings

1. Heat the chili crisp and toasted sesame oil in a small nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat until shimmering. Meanwhile, thinly slice the scallion.

2. Swirl the pan or use the back of a spoon to spread the mixture throughout the pan. Gently crack the eggs into the pan and season with a pinch of kosher salt.

3. Cook undisturbed until the whites are set, the yolks are still runny, and the edges of the eggs are crisp, three to five minutes. Reduce the heat as needed to avoid burning.

4. Slide the eggs onto a plate, toast or a warm bowl of rice. Pour any oil left in the pan over the eggs. Garnish with furikake and the scallions.

If you want to add another protein source to your breakfast, try adding fat-free cottage cheese right at the end of each recipe, allowing it to melt slightly before serving. This way, you'll get the added benefit of that healthy protein plus a delicious breakfast all in one!

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