Wonder what the TikTok egg boil is all about? This recipe will show you how to perfect the viral soft-boiled egg recipe that's bathed in a spicy, buttery sauce.
I Tried the Viral TikTok Egg Boil, and I’m Officially Hooked!
Published on Nov. 19, 2024
Forget scrambled, poached and sunny-side-up. The next time you’re asked how you’d like your eggs at your favorite local brunch spot, request that the chef make them TikTok style. Now, don’t be surprised if you get a few confused looks. After all, the viral TikTok egg boil craze has only just begun.
If you’re a fan of traditional Low Country boils and the equally viral onion boil recipe that has recently been circulating on social media, this egg boil recipe will be right up your alley. While the cooking process is a bit different than other “boil” recipes you may have tried, the end result is equally saucy, equally buttery, and every bit as delicious.
What is an egg boil?
An egg boil is a super quick and easy TikTok recipe featuring jammy, soft-boiled eggs bathed in a rich, buttery sauce that’s jam-packed with flavor. The recipe was born out of the onion boil trend and uses a very similar sauce seasoned with a plethora of dried herbs and spices. While the exact recipe varies between creators, one popular video by @by.nay.a uses a blend of Old Bay, garlic, onion powder, lemon pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, brown sugar, minced garlic and lemon juice.
Unlike the onion boil, where the onion is cooked in the buttery sauce, an egg boil cooks the eggs and sauce independently of one another. The two are combined only just before serving. From there, the eggs can be dipped and dunked to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Make an ice bath
Fill a small bowl with cold water and ice to make an ice bath and set aside.
Step 2: Boil the eggs
Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the egg by 1 inch and then bring it to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, gently lower the eggs into the boiling water. Cook for six to seven minutes for a soft yolk or eight minutes if you prefer a more set yolk. Remove the eggs from the water and immediately plunge them into the ice bath. Leave submerged for two to three minutes or until cool enough to handle.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Meanwhile, prepare the “boil” sauce. In a small skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes and cook for one minute or until fragrant. Add the all of the seasonings and stir to combine. Then, pour in the broth and increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer for six to eight minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly. Whisk in the lemon juice and add additional salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
Editor’s Tip: Old Bay and lemon pepper seasonings often already contain salt, so make sure to taste your sauce before adding any additional salt. For the record, we didn’t feel like our sauce needed extra salt, just a few cracks of black pepper.
Step 4: Peel the eggs and slice
Carefully peel the eggs and slice them in half. Arrange in a shallow bowl or a rimmed plate.
Step 5: Add the sauce
Pour the sauce over the eggs and garnish with green onions, if desired. Enjoy!
Flavor. Flavor. Flavor! There’s really no other word to describe these simple, saucy eggs. The warm sauce is super delicious when it melds with the rich flavor of the runny egg yolks. They’re truly the perfect vessel for the sauce.
Egg Boil Tips
Can I use hard-boiled eggs instead?
Yes! While TikTokers may be obsessed with marrying the spicy sauce with an unctuous runny yolk, an egg boil is equally delicious with a hard-boiled egg, too. Just let the eggs cook for an extra minute or two to ensure the yolk is fully set before popping them in the ice bath to cool.
What other spices can go in an egg boil?
This egg boil recipe is super forgiving and versatile. Feel free to omit spices you don’t have on hand or add others that you enjoy. Try sprinkling in up to 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried parsley or garlic powder.
How do you serve an egg boil?
The most common way you’ll see an egg boil enjoyed is all on its own. Simply bathe the eggs in the yummy sauce and dig in. However, an egg boil is also delish when served with hot cooked white rice, a bowl of ramen noodles or a few hunks of crusty bread. Each would marry well with the spicy eggs and is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.
