Start your morning off right with our spicy Chilli Scrambled Eggs recipe! The dish is not just an easy breakfast recipe, but can be used to spice up any meal of the day. If you like it spicy or mild, it can be easily adjusted to suit your needs. There are also options for dairy-free and veggy additions making it a dish that delivers flavour and caters to dietary needs too!
What Are Chilli Scrambled Eggs?
These scrambled eggs are made for those who like a bit of heat to their breakfast! Creamy dreamy eggs with some chilli, garlic and shallots means a flavourful scramble. Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy start to the day! The best part? You can customize the heat to suit your own taste. Serve these bad boys on buttery, toasted sourdough, or enjoy them solo with some avocado on the side for a brunch-worthy experience. Quick, mouthwateringly good, and an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves a little heat with their morning brew – great for busy mornings!
Benefits of Adding Chilli to Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are already a breakfast classic, but adding a sprinkle of chili can take them to a whole new level—and here’s why!
1. Instant Flavour Boost
Chili adds a punch of heat and depth that transforms humble scrambled eggs into a dish bursting with personality and taste. Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or full-on fire, adjusting the amount of chili lets you create your perfect flavour combo.
2. Wakes Up Your Senses
Looking for a natural way to jump-start your morning? Chili not only perks up your plate but also stimulates your taste buds and might even give you an energy kick. Who needs coffee when breakfast can do it all?
3. Packed with Health Benefits
Chilies are more than just spice! They’re loaded with capsaicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties, which can aid in weight management. Plus, they’re rich in vitamins A and C, supporting your immune system—and what better way to start the day?
4. Adds Gorgeous Color
Want eggs that are as Insta-worthy as they are delicious? Finely chopped red chili (or even green!) sprinkled over your fluffy eggs adds a pop of color that makes your breakfast look gourmet.
Chilli Scrambled Eggs Ingredients
Large Free Range Eggs – make these the best ones you can find. I prefer to use organic and free range as I love the bright yellow yolks and it’s always nice to know the chickens are free to roam. The better the egg, the better the scrambled eggs.
Salted Butter – good quality butter to add flavour to the eggs but also to gently soften the shallots and garlic.
Minced shallot & minced garlic – these provide more flavour to the eggs, just a small amount is needed, you still want to taste the flavour of the eggs
Minced Red Chili/green chilli – this gives these eggs the heat. I like to remove the seeds as they are the hottest part and super spicy is not what we are after here.
Coriander – a touch of coriander for a nice garnish and a little extra flavour.
Toasted Sourdough Bread – I love sourdough! Any time I use bread, I aim to use this but you can use any bread you like – just a good favourite bread for your creamy spicy eggs to sit on top of.
Sour cream/double cream – I like to add just a touch of cream at the end to enhance the scrambled eggs richness.
Add-ins
- For a dairy-free version use plant based butter, oil or plant based milk/cream
- Try different types of chillies for different heat levels
- Add a little chili crisp for extra heat and texture
- Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach or chopped tomatoes for extra nutrition
- Add fresh herbs like coriander, chives or parsley
Choosing The Right Chilli
You can customize this dish by using different types of chilli pepper and getting the heat level right for your tastebuds. Try picking from the following chillies depending on your heat preference:
1. Mild Heat with Flavor – Fresno Chili
Fresno chilies are perfect if you want just a touch of heat with a vibrant, slightly fruity flavor. They’re mild enough to not overpower the eggs and add a nice pop of red colour to the dish. Slice these thin for extra flair on your plate.
Tip: Not sure if it’s a Fresno or red jalapeño? Fresno is thinner with a lighter, fruitier vibe!
2. Well-Balanced Classic – Red Chili Pepper
If you want that medium, reliable heat, the classic red chili pepper is your go-to. It’s spicy enough to wake up your taste buds but won’t leave you guzzling milk. Perfect for keeping that balance between heat and creamy scrambled goodness.
3. For a Fiery Kick – Bird’s Eye Chili
Feeling adventurous and crave some fire? Go for bird’s eye chilies. These pack a bold, punchy heat—ideal if you love extra spice first thing in the morning. Slice them super thin and use sparingly unless you’re a spice pro.
Warning: These bad boys are small but mighty! A little goes a long way.
4. Unique Smoky Heat – Chipotle
Want something a little different? Try chipotle chilies! Their smoky flavor adds depth to your scrambled eggs while bringing a moderate heat. You can chop them finely or add a bit of chipotle paste for a silky texture.
5. Subtle and Aromatic – Anaheim
Anaheim chilies are for those who love a mellow heat with fresh, peppery undertones. They’re larger and gentler on the spice scale, so they’re great if you’re feeding a crowd with varying spice tolerance. Dice them finely and sauté them into the eggs for a smooth blend.
6. Zingy and Bold – Serrano Chili
Slightly spicier than jalapeños but not as intense as bird’s eye, serrano chilies are for those who want a medium-spicy, citrusy kick. Their bright, crisp flavour pairs beautifully with soft scrambled eggs.
Heat Considerations
Now that you have picked your favourite chilli to use in your gorgeous scramble, you need to make sure you don’t use to much or too little. You want that right spice level that suits your tastebuds! When making chilli scrambled eggs for the first time, start with a little chilli and you can always adjust the next time you make it – that’s how to perfect your chilli scrambled eggs – taste, taste, taste!
Another handy way to ensure you don’t incorporate too much heat is to remove the seeds. Easisest way to do this is to shake the pepper vigorously then slice off the top of the pepper and tip out the seeds – they should come out with ease!
Another option is to get the heat just right by using chilli flakes or chilli powder as an alternative to fresh chillies. These are store cupboard staples so you can have your chilli scramble fix anytime you like.
Equipment
medium bowl – to whisk up the eggs in
rubber spatula – to use to move the eggs around the pan and create small curds
heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet – to cook the eggs(you can also use a non stick small saucepan if you prefer)
chefs knife to mince the garlic, shallot and chilli
whisk – to whisk the eggs (a fork will do if you do not have a whisk)
How to Make Chilli Scrambled Eggs
- Begin by melting a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a pan
- Add the chilli, garlic and shallots and soften over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes
- Add eggs
Add the egg mixture to the pan and begin to move around gently using a silicone spatula – don’t use a wooden spoon as it doesn’t clean the pan when cooking as well as a spatula (we want all those eggs in the dish)
- Move the spatula slowly for large curds, and over low heat for soft curds. Move the spatula quicker for small curds.
Use the rubber spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan to ensure no eggs stick
- Add cream
The cream makes the eggs silky to balance out the heat from the chilli but also stops overcooking the eggs.
- Season at the end of cooking with sea salt and black pepper
- Add the cooked eggs to a slice of toasted bread and you are ready to go!
Achieving the perfect texture
Tips To Avoid Overcooking
Allow the eggs to rest for a minute in the pan before serving to relax and get ultra creamy
Low and slow on the heat is key
Removing from the heat whilst still wet ensures the eggs can finish cooking in the residual heat of the hot pan
Adding a splash of milk or cream at the end of cooking also helps to control pan temperature and avoid overcooking
Serving Suggestions
Transform your chilli scrambled eggs into a complete meal with these serving suggestions:
- Breakfast Tacos: Spoon the eggs into warm tortillas and top with avocado slices and fresh coriander.
- Toast Topper: Serve over good bread or English muffins for a quality open-faced sandwich.
- Breakfast Bowl: Create a nutritious bowl by adding the eggs to a base of quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Side Pairings: Complement with a side of fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a light mixed greens salad.
Garnishes and toppings
Try these additions to your scrambled eggs to finish them off
- fresh herbs
- crumbled cheese or a dollop of sour cream
- crispy bacon bits or chorizo crumbles
- grated parmesan cheese
Health Benefits
This dish packs a nutritional punch:
Healthy fats – provide a good dose of healthy fat found in the egg yolks
high in quality protein – provides amino acids which can help with muscle maintenance and promoting satiety
Nutrient-dense – high in vitamins A, D,E and B-complex, as well as selenium and zinc minerals.
Metabolism-boost – chillies contain capsaicin which can speed up metabolism and help burn fat
Common Problems
- Watery Eggs – eggs can become watery if seasoned too early, so season your eggs at the end of cooking. ALso don’t add to much cream or milk as this can turn them watery. Also watch your heat as overcooking can draw out moisture in the eggs and turn them watery.
- Dry overcooked Eggs – dry eggs can be salvaged by adding some moisture to them such as adding milk, cream or even a little butter/oil. Pairing the eggs with another moist ingredient can help counterbalance the dry eggs – avocado slices can be added or add a dollop of sour cream. You can also re-purpose the eggs into another dish to save on waste – think egg salad or fried rice.
- Too spicy – if you have added too much chilli, don’t despair. You can try counterbalancing the heat by adding dairy such as cream or milk. Adding a little sweetness such as honey can also help balance out the heat. Add chopped up cool vegetables like avocado to bring down the heat.
- Bland Eggs – the first step is to season well with salt and black pepper. Don’t forget to use the shallots and garlic as they provide lots of flavour to the base of the eggs. You can also add extra flavour to your eggs by adding a little truffle oil or butter for extra umami. Use plenty of herbs and additions to top your eggs as they all provide extra flavour – think adding extra protein like bacon, or vegetables like sauteed mushrooms and spinach.
FAQ’s
Yes, allow them to cool fully then portion into freezer bags and use within 3 months. Cook them slightly underdone before freezing and remember to thoroughly reheat when using. Defrost before reheating.
I like to cook my eggs low and slow to get them nice and creamy and silky.
Why are my scrambled eggs rubbery?
The heat is too high if your eggs go rubbery. A medium heat is as high as you would want to cook scrambled eggs, you don’t need a super hot pan. Too high a heat can dry out your scrambled eggs.
To make your scrambled eggs fluffier, whisk them thoroughly with a splash of milk or cream before cooking. Use low heat and stir continuously with a whisk or fork to create small curds. This will result in light and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Yes, there are vegan alternatives for this dish. You can use dairy-free milk, such as almond or soy, instead of regular milk. Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese. Tofu scramble is a popular vegan alternative to scrambled eggs.
The spiciness of this recipe can be adjusted to your personal preference. The addition of fresh chilli peppers adds a moderate amount of heat. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can reduce the number of chilli peppers or remove the seeds and membranes. Add more chilli peppers or some chilli flakes if you enjoy spicy food.
While it’s best to enjoy fresh, spicy chilli scrambled eggs, you can prepare them ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the eggs in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Be careful not to overheat; the eggs can become rubbery if cooked too long.
Chilli scrambled eggs
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp minced shallot
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced red chilli
- 2 slices toasted bread
- coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by de-seeding the red chilli, then mincing all your ingredients
- Place butter in a frying pan and over medium heat
- Meanwhile once the pan heats up, get your bread ready to toast
- Whisk your eggs in a bowl until well mixed
- When the butter starts to foam, add the shallot, garlic and red chilli and stir. Cook for around 2 minutes till softened
- Add the eggs, turn the heat to low and gently swirl using a rubber spatula to create soft curds.
- Remove from the heat when eggs are almost done to your liking but still a little wet, add a splash of cream and stir to combine until you have creamy soft curd like scrambled eggs
- Top the toasted bread with the scrambled eggs and garnish with some chopped coriander
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Hi, I’m Paul! I’m a passionate home chef, recipe developer, and food lover who believes that cooking should be fun, rewarding, and stress-free! Through Scoffs & Feasts, I share my favorite tried-and-tested recipes, cooking tips, and troubleshooting advice to help home cooks gain confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced foodie, I hope my recipes inspire you to try something new.
