These Crispy Egg Salad Cakes are a delicious twist on classic egg salad. By pan-frying small portions to a golden crisp, you get a delightful contrast between the crispy outer layer and the creamy, cheesy inside. With a touch of sriracha for spice and kewpie mayonnaise for richness, every bite is packed with flavor.
Perfectly served on toasted bread with creamy avocado and spicy jalapeños, these egg cakes make for a simple yet impressive meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick brunch option or a protein-packed snack, this dish delivers both taste and texture in every bite.
Full Recipe:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped chives
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A few turns of cracked black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Toasted bread, sliced avocado, and jalapeño (for serving)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs, shredded mozzarella, kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, chives, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray it with olive oil.
- Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture and place it in the skillet, flattening slightly.
- Pan fry for 1-2 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for 1 more minute until golden and crispy.
- Toast a slice of bread and top it with sliced avocado.
- Place a crispy egg salad cake on top and garnish with jalapeño slices.
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 74 kcal per serving | Servings: 5
Introduction to Crispy Egg Salad
Crispy egg salad is a delightful and innovative twist on the traditional egg salad that many of us know and love. This recipe combines hard-boiled eggs, creamy mayonnaise, spicy sriracha, mozzarella cheese, and fresh chives, all mixed into a flavorful base and then shaped into crispy “cakes” that are pan-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, golden exterior with a rich, creamy interior that’s both satisfying and comforting. Often served atop toasted bread with creamy avocado and a touch of heat from jalapeños, this dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for lunch, brunch, or even a quick dinner.
Health Benefits of Crispy Egg Salad
Despite being a rich and indulgent dish, crispy egg salad offers several health benefits when prepared with the right ingredients. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, including Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and choline, which are crucial for brain function and metabolism. The addition of mozzarella cheese provides calcium, which helps in maintaining strong bones and teeth.
The healthy fats from avocado add a creamy texture while providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Sriracha adds a touch of spice, which not only enhances the flavor but can also help boost metabolism and digestion. The fresh chives add antioxidants and vitamins that contribute to overall wellness. By using light cooking methods and focusing on wholesome ingredients, crispy egg salad is a satisfying yet relatively healthy meal option.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Egg Salad
Making the perfect crispy egg salad requires attention to detail. One key tip is ensuring the mixture holds together when forming the egg salad “cakes.” A gentle hand is needed when mixing the ingredients to avoid overly mashing the eggs, as you want to keep some texture in the final product. Additionally, when pan-frying, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows each egg cake to cook evenly, crisping up without sticking or falling apart.
Another important tip is the use of non-stick cookware, which makes flipping the cakes a lot easier without losing any of the crispy coating. Also, it’s best to lightly spray the skillet with olive oil to prevent the cakes from sticking while ensuring they get that desirable golden crust. If you find that the egg salad is falling apart, adding a small amount of breadcrumbs or even chilled, un-fried egg salad mixture can help bind the ingredients together more effectively.
Finally, the key to achieving the best flavor is to serve the crispy egg salad immediately after cooking. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior is most pronounced when the cakes are freshly pan-fried. Don’t forget to serve with freshly toasted bread and your choice of creamy avocado and fresh jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
Creative Variations of Crispy Egg Salad
Crispy egg salad is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of sriracha or even add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a more neutral taste, you can replace the sriracha with a milder option, such as Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt, for a tangy twist.
For those looking to make the dish lighter, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a lighter version or use a plant-based mayo for a vegan-friendly option. To make it more hearty, consider adding ingredients like diced bacon, sautéed spinach, or even crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair. If you’re craving extra crunch, you can mix in some finely chopped celery or radishes to give the dish a refreshing crunch.
Additionally, the choice of bread can elevate this dish further. Instead of traditional toasted bread, you could opt for a whole-grain or gluten-free alternative to make it a healthier, more inclusive option for different dietary needs. You can even serve the crispy egg salad cakes on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, salad-inspired dish.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Egg Salad
Crispy egg salad is best served with a variety of accompaniments that complement the rich, creamy texture of the egg cakes. One of the most popular pairings is avocado toast. The creamy avocado balances out the crispiness of the egg cakes and adds an extra layer of flavor. If you’re looking to spice things up, top the salad with some thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to enhance the heat.
For a heartier meal, crispy egg salad can be served with roasted vegetables or a side of crunchy coleslaw for added texture. If you’re serving the egg salad for a group, you could also arrange it on a platter alongside some fresh herbs and sliced tomatoes for an appetizer-style presentation. Whether for a casual lunch or a more formal brunch, crispy egg salad is a dish that can be easily adapted to suit any occasion.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Crispy Egg Salad
Crispy egg salad is a fun, flavorful, and versatile recipe that elevates the classic egg salad into something special. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish offers the perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures, all wrapped up in a spicy, savory flavor profile. It’s easy to make and customize, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or make adjustments based on dietary needs. Best of all, crispy egg salad is a satisfying and nutritious option that is perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet indulgent meal. Whether served on toasted bread, atop a salad, or simply enjoyed as a snack, crispy egg salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.