Eggs, loved by pretty much everyone, have found their way into kitchens worldwide as the ultimate breakfast choice. But they’re not just a morning thing anymore. Egg recipes are so versatile, they’re in dishes spanning breakfast, dinner and everything in between! So, let’s take a look at all things eggs and see how they’re making their way onto tables across the world at all hours of the day.
Why are egg dishes so popular?
The reason eggs are such a hit? Well, they’re adaptable, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients. They’re like a blank canvas for chefs, easily fitting into any dish with their versatility. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast, throwing together an appetizer, or crafting a fancy dinner, eggs always bring the flavor and the nutrition. Speaking of which, let’s talk about just how nutritious these little guys really are.
Nutritional value of eggs
Eggs are a highly nutritious food that provides a range of essential nutrients. That’s why they’re such a great addition to a balanced diet. Here’s some of the nutrients you can find in these powerhouses
Protein, fat, and carbohydrates – the main macros
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein. In fact they can be part of a high protein snack like eggs and ham. Or they can be the snack if you eat them alone – hardboiled eggs for the win!
Eggs contain both saturated and unsaturated fats. About 5 grams of fat are found in a large egg.
Eggs and egg recipes are often high-protein, so it might not surprise you that they’re suitable for a low carb eating plan too. Eggs contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates, contributing to less than 1 gram per egg.
Cholesterol
Eggs are relatively high in cholesterol, but research has shown that dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. But you can always eat the white instead of the yolk if you want!
Vitamins and minerals
Eggs aren’t short of important vitamins and minerals. Here’s what they contain a healthy dose of:
- Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.
- Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and calcium absorption.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
- Calcium: Important for bone health.
- Iron: Essential for transporting oxygen in the blood.
- Phosphorus: Important for bone and teeth formation.
- Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing.
Other egg-cellent properties
Sorry, we had to do it! Eggs also contain a few extra goodies. First up, there’s selenium, which in essential trace element with antioxidant properties. Eggs are also a good source of choline, which is important for brain health and development.
Finally, they’re also high in the carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which play a role in eye health, particularly in protecting against age-related macular degeneration.
Versatility at its best
Eggs are seriously versatile in the kitchen. They can do it all: bind, leaven, emulsify, you name it! Whether you’re baking, frying, boiling, or scrambling, eggs fit right in. They bring texture, flavor, and a whole lot of nutrition to the table.
Classic Cooking Techniques:
- Boiling: Boiled eggs, whether soft or hard-cooked, are a breakfast staple worldwide. Whether nestled into a bowl of ramen in Japan or deviled for a picnic in the United States, boiled eggs showcase the simplicity of this cooking method.
- Frying: Sunny-side up, over easy, or fried eggs reign supreme in breakfast menus globally. From English breakfasts to Mexican chilaquiles, the versatility of fried eggs adds richness and appeal to various cuisines.
- Scrambling: Scrambled eggs, a quick and customizable delight, are embraced from American diners to Indian street food stalls. Mixed with herbs, cheese, or vegetables, scrambled eggs exemplify simplicity at its most satisfying.
- Poaching: poaching is a delicate cooking method that involves gently simmering eggs in water, resulting in tender whites and a creamy, runny yolk. Unlike boiling or frying, poaching requires a subtler touch and is often favored for creating elegant and refined dishes.
Different Egg Recipes around the World
We’ve gathered up some of the best egg dishes from all corners of the globe. From breakfast and brunch egg recipes to lunch and dinner egg recipes, there’s everything from classic quiche to spicy shakshuka here.
Egg recipes and dishes from Asia
- Omurice
- Description: Mash-up of omelet and rice
- Meal Type: Lunch or dinner
- Country of origin: Japan
- Onsen Tamago
- Description:
- Meal Type:
- Country of origin: Japan
- Masala Omelette
- Description: A great breakfast egg recipe consisting of spiced omelet with onions, tomatoes, and chilies.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or snack.
- Country of origin: Indian
- Khai Jiao
- Description: Thai-style omelet
- Meal Type: Breakfast or lunch.
- Country of origin: Thai
- Kwek-kwek
- Description: A common street food consisting of deep-fried quail eggs coated in an orange-hued batter made with annatto powder.
- Meal Type: Snack
- Country of origin: Philippines
- Tortang Talong
- Description: Grilled or roasted eggplant that is later flattened and dipped in beaten egg before being pan-fried.
- Meal Type: Main course, lunch or dinner
- Country of origin: Philippines
- Leche Flan
- Description: Filipino egg caramel custard dessert.
- Meal Type: Dessert
- Country of origin: Philippines
- Century Egg Tofu
- Description: Soft silken tofu topped with century egg
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch.
- Country of origin: China
- Chinese Steamed Egg
- Desription: Steamed egg with silky, smooth texture
- Meal Type: Breakfast, brunch and can be a side dish too
- Country of origin: China
- Gyeranjjim
- Description: Korean steamed eggs
- Meal Type: Appetizer
- Country of origin: China
Egg dishes and recipes from North America
- Eggs Benedict
- Description: Poached eggs served on English muffins, topped with Canadian bacon or ham, and drizzled with hollandaise sauce.
- Meal Type: Brunch or breakfast.
- Country of origin: United States
- Deviled Eggs
- Description: Hard-boiled eggs halved and filled with a seasoned yolk mixture, typically made with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices.
- Meal Type: Appetizer or snack.
- Country of origin: United States
- Denver Omelette
- Description: Omelette filled with diced ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch.
- Country of origin: United States
- Egg Salad Sandwich
- Description: Chopped hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, served in a sandwich.
- Meal Type: Lunch or snack.
- Country of origin: United States
- Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
- Description: Lightly beaten eggs cooked with melted cheese, creating a creamy and savory dish.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch.
- Country of origin: United States
- Egg McMuffin
- Description: Breakfast sandwich consisting of a poached egg, bacon or sausage, and cheese on an English muffin.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or on-the-go.
- Country of origin: United States (McDonald’s originated)
- Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito
- Description: Scrambled eggs and melted cheese wrapped in a tortilla, often with additional ingredients like sausage, bacon, or vegetables.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or on-the-go.
- Country of origin: United States (Tex-Mex influence)
- Egg and Bacon Pie
- Description: Savory pie with layers of bacon and eggs in a flavorful filling.
- Meal Type: Lunch or dinner.
- Country of origin: United States, Canada (common in both)
- Huevos Rancheros
- Description: Fried eggs served on tortillas and topped with a spicy tomato-based salsa, often accompanied by beans and avocado.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch
- Country of origin: Mexico
Egg recipes from South America
- Huevos Pericos
- Description: Scrambled eggs mixed with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch.
- Country of origin: Colombia
- Farofa de ovo
- Description: Scrambled eggs and toasted cassava flour and can be seasoned with herbs, spices, and sometimes bacon.
- Meal Type: Side dish
- Country of origin: Brazil
Egg dishes from Europe
- Quiche Lorraine
- Description: Savory pie with eggs, cream, cheese, and bacon.
- Meal Type: Lunch or brunch.
- Country of origin: France (Lorraine region)
- Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelette)
- Description: Spanish omelet with eggs, potatoes, and onions.
- Meal Type: Tapas or light dinner.
- Country of origin: Spain
- Scotch Eggs
- Description: Hard or soft-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried or baked.
- Meal Type: Snack or appetizer.
- Country of origin: England
- Frittata
- Description: Open-faced omelet with various ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and meats.
- Meal Type: Breakfast, brunch, or light dinner.
- Country of origin: Italy
- Oeufs en Meurette
- Description: Poached eggs in a red wine and shallot sauce.
- Meal Type: Lunch or dinner.
- Country of origin: France (Burgundy region)
- Eierkuchen (German Pancakes)
- Description: Thick pancakes made with eggs, flour, and milk, often served with sweet or savory toppings.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch.
- Country of origin: Germany
African Egg Dishes
- Shakshuka
- Description: Poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper stew, often seasoned with cumin and paprika.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch.
- Country of origin: North Africa (popular in countries like Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt) also eaten in Southwest Asia (Middle Eastern influence – Israel, and Lebanon), Eastern Europe, and Mediterranean countries
- Nigerian Egg Roll
- Description: Fried egg roll made with eggs, onions, and sometimes vegetables.
- Meal Type: Snack or breakfast.
- Country of origin: Nigeria
Egg dishes from elsewhere
- Avocado Smash with Poached Eggs
- Description: Mashed avocado served on toast with poached eggs on top.
- Meal Type: Breakfast or brunch.
- Country of origin: Australia
- Pavlova
- Description: The meringue-based treat is characterized by a crisp crust and a soft and named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.
- Meal Type: Dessert
- Country of origin: Either Australia or New Zealand
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FAQs about Egg Recipes
A classic choice is scrambled eggs with variations like herbs, cheese, or diced vegetables. This dish is enjoyed globally and can be customized to personal taste. Eggs can also be enjoyed globally in simple forms like boiled eggs, sunny-side-up, or scrambled eggs, often seasoned with local herbs and spices.
Custards, flans, and puddings are versatile egg-based desserts enjoyed in various forms across the globe.
Yes, dishes like quiches, deviled eggs, and egg salads are versatile and can be adapted for special occasions or gatherings.
