Parmesan Chili Crisp Fried Eggs

These Parmesan Chili Crisp Fried Eggs are a little spicy, a little cheesy, and -crunchy. With four ingredients, you won't believe how easy it is to transform your morning egg routine into a gourmet meal.

When we're in the mood for eggs we usually reach for our go-to scrambled eggs. That being said, we're not parting with our scramblies (made-up word alert) any time soon, but fried eggs in a lacy, crunchy swirl of parmesan with a kick of heat are our new love language!

The best part of this recipe? It only uses 4 ingredients! Once you get your hands on chili crisp, the rest are pantry staples, making these eggs a breeze to whip up.

• Eggs
• Chili crisp/crunch we love the Chili Onion Crunch from Trader Joe's. It's not too spicy and has less liquid than other brands. Other popular options include this one from well-known chef David Chang and the Momofuku franchise, or the original chili crisp by Lao Gan Ma. Whichever you choose, the ingredients and spice level will vary from brand to brand.
• Oil We used extra-virgin olive oil, but any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work (canola, avocado).
• Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is best.
• Crusty bread for serving You need something to sop up that yummy, runny yolk!

See recipe card for quantities.

Never made fried eggs before? No worries, this step-by-step guide will make it a breeze!

Step 1. In an 8 or 10-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chili crisp and spread to cover the pan.

Step 2. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the chili crisp. Try to spread it evenly over the crisp.

Step 3. Drop the eggs, one at a time, into the oil. They will immediately start to sizzle.

Step 4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, untouched, depending on how cooked you want the yolks.

*These are abbreviated instructions. See the recipe card below for the list of directions.

Expert tips

• Avoid shells. To avoid getting shells in your eggs, crack them over a small bowl first.
• Set your yolks. If you don't like runny yolks (sunny side up), then you can cover the eggs to help the yolks set. Alternatively, you can flip the egg to completely set the yolks.

Swaps

• Fresh herbs Parsley or cilantro are great for freshness, while chives or scallions add to the oniony flavor. Plus, the pop of green will take this dish to fancy land!
• Sesame seeds Sprinkle some sesame seeds (toasted or not) right on top before serving for an added crunch.
• Flaky sea salt Since this dish is all about the crunch, instead of adding additional salt to your eggs, try some flaky sea salt for even more texture.
• More chili crisp Don't let the crispy bits left in the skillet go to waste. Drizzle the remaining oil and chili crisp on top of the eggs.

How to serve fried eggs

Looking for new ways to serve your Parmesan chili crisp fried eggs? There are countless ways to enjoy your new fried friend. They make a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• Add to grits, like we did here.
• Top a pizza!
• Layer it inside your favorite burger.
• Make a tasty breakfast sandwich with bacon or sausage.
• Make a fancy breakfast toast.
• Try it on top of your favorite salad.
• Top your noodles.
• Over breakfast potatoes or hash browns.

Keeping leftovers

Fried eggs are best eaten right away; however, they can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated. You can gently reheat them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or lightly pan-fry them again on the stove.

Kitchen questions

Is chili crisp spicy?

This will vary depending on the brand; however, it is not as spicy as its name suggests. You can adjust the amount in any recipe to lessen the heat if desired.

Are chili oil and chili crisp the same?

Chili oil is made with crushed chilies and oil, but lacks the crunchy aromatics that are found in chili crisp.

Solid pairings

Ingredients

Makes 2 fried eggs

• 2 eggs ((any size))
• 1 tbsp oil for frying ((olive, canola))
• 2 tsp chili crisp, plus more for drizzling on top
• 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for topping
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh herbs for garnishing ((green onions, parsley, cilantro))
• crusty bread or toast for serving

Equipment

• 8 or 10-inch frying pan or non-stick skillet

Method

1. Get the eggs ready. Crack each egg into 2 separate small bowls. (This will give you better control of the egg as it slides into the pan). Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in an 8 or 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chili crisp and spread evenly in the pan.

3. Next, add the Parmesan on top of the chili crisp, and spread evenly to coat. It will sizzle. Immediately add the eggs, one at a time, on top of the chili crisp and Parmesan. Cook, untouched for 5-7 minutes until the desired doneness, adjusting the heat as needed. You can cover the pan if you want the yolks to be less runny.

4. Remove from the pan and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs, chili crisp, and additional parmesan on top. Serve with toast or crusty bread.