13 Foods You Can Easily Elevate With An Egg
Cooking with eggs has long been a staple in the world of breakfast and brunch, but recently, they've started to make their way into all sorts of unexpected foods for lunch and dinner. This versatile protein can add a range of flavors and depth to a wide variety of foods. From burgers to ramen noodles, eggs can not only upgrade dishes by adding a rich, creamy texture to them, but they can also boost the nutrition of some of your favorite meals.
Eggs are the ultimate powerhouse ingredient. They can be used to create sauces, crusts, and fillings. From breakfast to dinner and every meal in between, eggs are seemingly here to stay. To get you started, we are sharing 13 foods you can easily elevate by adding an egg or two. Don't worry, you don't have to be a master chef to whip up these delicious, social media-worthy dishes. So, grab a carton of eggs, and let's get cracking.
1. Avocado toast
Avocado toast has taken the breakfast and brunch world by storm in recent years, and for a good reason — it's a simple yet delicious combination of creamy avocado and crispy toast that is hard to resist. Adding eggs can easily boost your protein and nutrient intake while also making your meals a bit more satisfying.
One way to incorporate eggs into avocado toast is to fry them to your desired level of runniness and place it directly on top of the toast. If you're feeling adventurous, try poaching your egg instead. This method requires a bit more finesse, but the result is worth the effort. Bring a pot of water to a simmer, add a splash of vinegar to help the egg coagulate, and gently drop your egg into the water. Let it cook for a few minutes until the white sets and the yolk is still runny. Finally, carefully remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on top of your avocado toast.
A simpler alternative might be scrambling eggs. An easy way to upgrade scrambled eggs is to whisk them with a splash of milk or cream and then season with salt and pepper. This quick technique results in a fluffy egg you can place right on top of the toast.
2. Ramen noodles
Let's be honest, those packets of ramen with flavored powder can only do so much. If you want to take your ramen game to the next level, look no further than the egg. One of the simplest ways to add eggs to ramen is with a classic soft-boiled egg. You can do this by bringing a pot of water to a boil, carefully adding your eggs, and letting them cook for six to seven minutes before transferring them to a bowl. Then, slice the eggs in half and place them on top of your ramen noodles.
You can also try a ramen egg, also known as ajitsuke tamago. This Japanese-style egg is marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture and has a soft, custard-like texture. To make it add a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water in a small saucepan and allow time to cool. Combine it with peeled, soft-boiled eggs and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. When ready, slice them in half and place them over your cooked noodles.
3. Salads
Salads are often thought of as a healthy yet uninspiring meal choice, but a simple egg can change all that. According to Time, adding eggs to salads in combination with other ingredients can create an antioxidant-rich meal. Hard-boiled eggs are a popular choice for salads as they are easy to prepare ahead of time.
Soft-boiled or poached eggs can also add richness and flavor to a salad. There is no rule that says the eggs must be cold to be enjoyed, so don't rule out warm eggs. Take inspiration from celebrity chef Bobby Flay as he likes to top a frisée salad with poached eggs, crispy bacon, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette. When poaching an egg, the culinary expert also suggests cracking it in a ramekin before putting it in the pan.
If you're looking for a simpler method, it's not unheard of to top greens with scrambled eggs, either. This dish can be served warm or cold based on your personal preferences.
4. Pizza
From classic Margherita and pepperoni pizzas to all sorts of modern variations, the pizza topping possibilities are endless. While some of us are busy adding traditional toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or peppers, there's one ingredient you're likely omitting. Eggs can add a whole other level of dimension to a pizza.
You can add eggs to pizza before or after baking. Before baking, an egg can be fried separately and then placed on top. If you add an egg after a pizza is baked, try cracking the yolk right in the center of the pizza and then popping it in the oven for a few minutes until the egg is cooked to your liking. It's best to experiment with the exact timing, as you don't want a messy runny yolk situation — or, maybe, you do. You can either season your eggs with salt and pepper or let the pizza flavors do all the work.
5. Burgers
Separately, burgers and eggs are two classics that are loved by many. But have you ever considered combining them? While some people might argue that a burger is perfect on its own without any eggs, your taste buds might disagree. Adding even one can upgrade this meal. So, feel free to add them in however you like, whether by poaching or frying them.
You can also try a sunny-side-up egg on top of your protein. The yolk will almost act as a luxurious sauce that will complement the burger patty, toasted buns, and fresh toppings. If you're looking for something a bit simpler or less messy than a runny yolk, opt for a soft scrambled egg. However you add an egg in, you won't regret it. As we mentioned, the high protein content in eggs can also help make the burger more filling and satisfying. To take things even further, try adding some bacon, avocado, or crispy onions.
6. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes can sometimes be a bit lackluster on their own. Fortunately, there's a simple ingredient that can enhance this root vegetable to a more savory eating experience.
One way to incorporate eggs is by making a sweet potato hash with a fried or poached egg on top. Another great option is to make a sweet potato and egg skillet. The second option combines the roasted vegetable with sautéed onions and garlic, then tops everything off with a few eggs and some fresh herbs to taste. Decide whether to dice the sweet potatoes into chunks or slice them into thin rounds for faster cooking.
If you're looking to save time, it may be best to make the potatoes beforehand by either roasting, sautéing, or boiling them. When roasting sweet potatoes, the high heat helps to caramelize their natural sugars, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor. Sautéing them in a hot skillet will develop a crispier exterior. And boiling sweet potatoes is great when you want to cook them fast but are in the mood for a slightly softer texture compared to roasting or sautéing.
7. Fried rice
Adding eggs to fried rice is common in many Asian cuisines, so this method may not be entirely surprising. However, it doesn't always have to be cooked in the typical scrambled fashion to work with fried rice. Some chefs have put their own spin on this classic dish and elevated it by cooking the egg differently. For example, celebrity chef David Chang has shared a recipe for egg fried rice on YouTube, which includes ingredients like scallions, chilis, and soy sauce. He tops it off with fried eggs placed on top rather than mixed in. Combining the ingredients with the creamy yolk adds a luxurious texture and fluffiness to the dish. You can easily customize this with any vegetables, meats, or seasonings.
Other rice and egg dishes to consider are Korean bibimbap and Japanese tamago kake gohan. These dishes often feature a raw or a partially cooked egg mixed with the rice. No matter what cooking method you choose, try adding seasoning to enhance the natural flavors. Also, be careful not to overcook the eggs, as they can become tough and rubbery.
8. Spaghetti
Pasta can be combined with many complex and simple ingredients, including eggs. Dishes that include the two include Korean-style spicy spaghetti with egg, Japanese-style spaghetti with soy sauce and soft-boiled eggs, and Italian carbonara.
One popular way to incorporate eggs into spaghetti is by making carbonara. This classic Italian dish combines pasta with crispy bacon and parmesan cheese. The heat from the ingredients cooks the eggs slightly, creating a smooth sauce that is full of flavor.
Another flavorful option is to top your pasta with an over-easy egg. The runny yolk creates a decadent sauce that coats the noodles, while the crispy edges of the egg white add texture and crunch. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a simple and delightful meal. Don't be afraid to mix in some tomato sauce, extra spices, or hot sauce if you desire. So, next time you're cooking up a pot of spaghetti, grab some eggs to see what delectable creation you can come up with.
9. Burritos
There are so many ways to incorporate an egg into any burrito. And we're not just talking about your average breakfast burrito. You can add eggs to this meal for lunch, dinner, and even snacking in between.
A few ideas to get you started include adding scrambled or fried eggs to seasoned ground beef, chicken, veggies, beans, rice, avocado, or vegan protein. You can even make an omelet-style egg wrap instead of using a tortilla. The amount of protein you can add in, along with the eggs, may just keep you filling full for longer.
Although burritos can sometimes be heavy on carbs and lighter on protein, it's up to you how much or how little of each ingredient you want in there. The versatility and customization are what make this option so great. Another upside to burritos is how easy they are for on-the-go eating. Not all ingredients, like salsa and avocado, will hold up well during meal prep, so you may want to pack them separately and add them in right before serving.
10. Soups
Soup can be one of the most comforting and versatile meals. However, sipping the same broth can get a bit boring at times. That's where an egg comes in. Adding eggs to soup is common in many cuisines around the world, from the Italian stracciatella soup to the Chinese egg drop soup.
You can add eggs to any soup by simply dropping them in, poaching them, or creating an egg custard. You can use a poached egg in minestrone soup as a topping or by whipping them directly into the broth. As for a custard, it's typically made by blending eggs with creamer or milk. You can then pour this mixture directly into a soup before serving. As the custard sets, the soup is gently heated.
One chef well known for creating egg custards for soups is Thomas Keller, the American chef and restaurateur who has been awarded multiple Michelin stars. Keller's egg custard recipe is featured in his cookbook "Ad Hoc at Home" and is used in his famous oyster and pearls recipe. Really, it's up to you how to combine eggs and soup.
11. Toast
While toast can be tasty with butter or jam, it's a food that can be dressed up in a variety of ways. What if we told you that you could upgrade the piece of sliced bread with just an egg? Eggs in the basket, toad in the hole, or egg in a hole, are all names for one simple breakfast dish. The meal is made by cutting a hole in the center of a piece of sliced bread, cracking an egg in the middle, and frying it in butter until both ingredients are golden brown.
As for the type of butter, Martha Stewart prefers cooking with clarified butter, especially when it comes to cooking eggs. This food upgrade is also completely customizable. So, really, you can use any type of butter, bread, or eggs you like. If you need some inspiration, one delicious variation of this recipe includes brioche bread with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar before frying.
12. Steak
The texture of a perfectly cooked egg can complement the savory and juicy flavor of a well-seasoned steak. Both ingredients are high in protein, rich in nutrients, and balanced in flavor. One popular example of a steak with an egg combination is the classic steak and eggs breakfast. The duo is a delightful one. However, as delicious as this breakfast is on its own, it can also be enjoyed in other ways.
When you're not topping steak with a whole egg, you can try grilling them into a sandwich or a salad. An easy way to do this is by dicing the meat into cubes for a salad or making a truffle egg for your sandwich. A truffle egg is made by whisking together several eggs, heavy cream, truffle oil, and some cheese. Then you cook the mixture until it is soft and creamy. This rich and flavorful style of eggs will not only taste great in sandwiches but it can also be served on top of a steak. For those who love eggs Benedict, try swapping out the ham for sliced steak. The choice is yours.
13. Waffles
Chicken and waffles are a popular dish, but a lesser-known variation might be eggs and waffles. Not placed side by side on the plate, but actually stacked one on top of the other. The addition of an egg to your simple waffle batter recipe adds moisture and richness to the meal, resulting in a fluffier, more tender texture. Consider elevating this by adding a poached, fried, or scrambled egg to the waffle. Either way, you definitely shouldn't skip the eggs.
If you desire a more portable breakfast, try to cook up the batter in a waffle iron and turn it into a sandwich coupled with a fried egg, bacon, and sliced avocado. And if you're looking for a faster variation, you can certainly opt for pre-made waffles as well. For those with a bit more prep time on their hands, creating a waffle-based breakfast taco or pizza-style waffle topped with eggs and your choice of protein and veggies might be something fun to consider.