Short Description

Pili Pili Eggs are a vibrant, skillet-style breakfast featuring eggs nestled in a spicy tomato and chili pepper sauce, finished with fresh cilantro and chili flakes—perfect for dipping with warm flatbread or toast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, fresh flavors: Juicy cherry tomatoes meld with garlic (or onion) and a spicy chili pepper, creating a lively sauce.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this is a no-fuss, satisfying dish.
One-pan cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pan.
Customizable spice level: Remove chili seeds for milder heat or keep them in for more kick.
Perfect for sharing: Elegant enough for guests yet simple for weekday mornings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced into round pieces
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (or ¼ small onion, finely diced)
1 fresh medium hot chili pepper (e.g. serrano or Fresno), thinly sliced—seeds optional depending on heat preference
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt, to taste
6 large eggs
Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish
Chili flakes, for garnish
Warm flatbread or toast, for serving

Directions

Slice the cherry tomatoes into rounds. Thinly slice the garlic (or finely dice the onion instead). Thinly slice the chili pepper, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
Heat a wide nonstick pan over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil, then the garlic (or onion) and chili slices. Sauté until fragrant and softened—approximately 1 minute for garlic, or 2–3 minutes for onion.
Add the sliced tomatoes to the pan, season with sea salt, and stir until the tomatoes begin to break down—about 3–5 minutes.
Crack the eggs directly into the sauce, spacing them around the pan. Cover the pan and cook until the yolks reach your desired doneness, typically around 5 minutes.
While the eggs cook, chop the cilantro and discard any stems. When the eggs are cooked, uncover the pan and scatter chopped cilantro and chili flakes over the top.
Serve the eggs directly from the pan alongside warm flatbread or toast, perfect for scooping up the saucy goodness.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 3–4 (depending on appetite)
Prep time: ~5–7 minutes
Cook time: ~10–12 minutes
Total time: ~15–20 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella over the eggs in the last minute of cooking.
Herb Swap: Try chopped parsley or mint instead of cilantro for a different flavor note.
Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell pepper, spinach, or mushrooms along with the tomatoes for extra veggies.
Protein Add-In: Stir in cooked chorizo or crumbled sausage before adding the tomatoes for a heartier version.
Vegan Style: Replace eggs with firm tofu slices and follow the same cooking method, adjusting time as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals (15 seconds at a time) to avoid overcooking the yolks.

FAQs

What Can I Use Instead Of Cherry Tomatoes?

You can substitute with halved grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, you may need to cook them slightly longer to break down.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

You can prepare the tomato-chili base ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before cracking in fresh eggs to finish cooking.

How Do I Make It Less Spicy?

Remove the seeds and membranes of the chili pepper before slicing. You can also use a milder chili like Anaheim or omit chili entirely and add a pinch of paprika instead.

Is There A Dairy-Free Version?

Yes—it’s already dairy-free unless you add cheese. Simply follow the recipe as is, omitting any cheese additions.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead Of Fresh Cilantro?

You can, but fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that dried herbs can’t replicate. If needed, use a small pinch of dried cilantro or parsley.

How Do I Know When The Yolks Are Done?

For runny yolks, cook until the whites are set but the yolk still jiggles slightly—about 5 minutes covered. For firmer yolks, cook an extra minute or two.

What Flatbread Works Best?

Warm pita, naan, or any soft flatbread works great. Toasted bread or crostini also pairs nicely for dipping.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes—use a larger pan and space the eggs out evenly. You may need to increase cooking time slightly, and possibly work in batches if your pan isn’t large enough.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, the main dish is gluten-free if served without flatbread. Simply serve with gluten-free bread or skip it altogether.

How Can I Make It More Filling?

Add cooked beans like chickpeas or serve alongside avocado slices or roasted potatoes for a more substantial meal.

Conclusion

Pili Pili Eggs are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan breakfast or brunch. With vibrant tomato and chili flavors, luscious eggs, and easy customizations, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again—whether feeding yourself or a crowd. Serve it with warm bread, and you’ve got a cozy, comforting meal in no time.

Ezabella

Pili Pili Eggs: A Flavorful One-Pan Morning Delight