Few things in the culinary world capture the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication quite like a jammy egg. With its silky whites and gooey, golden yolk that sits somewhere between soft-boiled and hard-boiled, the jammy egg has become a star ingredient in everything from ramen bowls to avocado toast. But when you pair it with chili crunch and toasted breadcrumbs, it transforms into a dish that’s both simple and indulgent.
This recipe for Jammy Eggs with Chili Crunch & Toasted Breadcrumbs elevates the humble egg into something bold, vibrant, and texturally exciting. You’ll get:
- The soft, custard-like yolk of perfectly timed jammy eggs.
- The fiery, nutty heat of chili crunch.
- The buttery, golden crisp of garlicky breadcrumbs.
Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a shareable appetizer, or even a light dinner with toast, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
What Are Jammy Eggs?
Jammy eggs are eggs that have been boiled for about 6 to 7 minutes, resulting in:
- Firm but tender whites.
- Yolks that are set on the edges but still runny in the center, giving them a texture similar to jam (hence the name).
They’re not quite soft-boiled, which have very runny yolks, and not fully hard-boiled, which have crumbly centers. Instead, jammy eggs strike the perfect middle ground—rich, velvety, and luxurious.
These eggs are already a favorite in ramen, grain bowls, and salads. But with chili crunch and toasted breadcrumbs, they gain layers of spice, nuttiness, and crunch that make them the star of the plate.
Why Chili Crunch?
Chili crunch (or chili crisp) is a condiment made with chili flakes, garlic, onions, sesame seeds, and oil. It originated in Chinese cuisine but has since gained global popularity for its versatility. Unlike plain chili oil, chili crunch has texture—crispy bits that bring both heat and a savory bite.
When spooned over jammy eggs, the chili crunch adds:
- Spice for balance against the rich yolk.
- Crispy garlic & shallots for texture.
- Umami depth that makes the eggs taste bolder.
You can use store-bought chili crunch (such as Lao Gan Ma or Momofuku Chili Crunch) or make your own at home.
Why Toasted Breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs may seem humble, but when toasted with garlic and olive oil, they become an instant flavor booster. They’re crunchy, aromatic, and slightly nutty, adding the texture contrast that makes this dish exciting.
Think of them as a substitute for croutons—smaller, lighter, and more versatile. Plus, they absorb a bit of the chili oil, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients for Jammy Eggs with Chili Crunch & Toasted Breadcrumbs
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe:
For the Jammy Eggs
- 4 large Eggs (room temperature works best for even cooking)
- 1 tbsp White Vinegar (optional, helps peel eggs easily)
- Pinch of Salt
For the Chili Crunch Topping
- 2 tbsp Chili Crisp or Chili Crunch Oil
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 tsp Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
For the Toasted Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Garlic Clove, minced
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (optional, for brightness)
For Serving
- 2 slices Sourdough Bread (toasted, optional)
- Flaky Sea Salt (finishing touch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Jammy Eggs
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil (100°C). Add salt and vinegar.
- Carefully lower the eggs in with a spoon.
- Boil for 6 minutes and 30 seconds for jammy yolks.
- Immediately transfer to an ice bath for 2 minutes to stop cooking.
- Gently peel and set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: If your eggs are straight from the fridge, add 30–60 seconds to the boiling time.
Step 2: Toast the Breadcrumbs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in panko, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp (3–4 minutes).
- Mix in parsley for freshness.
Step 3: Mix the Chili Crunch Topping
In a small bowl, stir together chili crisp, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Adjust spice levels to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Slice the jammy eggs in half.
- Arrange them on a plate or over toasted sourdough.
- Drizzle with chili crunch mixture.
- Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs generously on top.
- Finish with flaky sea salt.
Serving Suggestions
- On Toast: Place eggs on sourdough or ciabatta for a filling breakfast.
- On Rice Bowls: Add avocado, greens, and a drizzle of extra chili oil.
- As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with spoons for sharing at a party.
- With Noodles: Toss soba or ramen with sesame dressing and top with these eggs.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Twist: Add grated parmesan or pecorino to the breadcrumbs.
- Nutty Crunch: Replace breadcrumbs with toasted almonds or peanuts.
- Sweet Heat: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to balance spice.
- Herby Touch: Swap parsley for cilantro or basil.
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with crispy tofu slices topped with chili crunch and breadcrumbs.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Boiled Eggs: Store unpeeled jammy eggs in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Breadcrumbs: Keep toasted breadcrumbs in an airtight jar for 1 week.
- Assembly: Only assemble right before serving, as chili oil and breadcrumbs can make the eggs soggy over time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Use a slotted spoon to lower eggs into water to avoid cracking.
- Always use an ice bath—it makes peeling much easier.
- Don’t rush peeling; gently tap the egg all over before sliding the shell off.
- Stir breadcrumbs constantly to prevent burning.
- Adjust chili crunch quantity depending on your spice tolerance.
Why This Recipe Works
- Texture Balance: Creamy yolk, crunchy breadcrumbs, crispy chili bits.
- Flavor Layers: Heat from chili, richness from egg, freshness from herbs.
- Versatility: Works as a snack, breakfast, or appetizer.
- Speed: Comes together in just 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Jammy Eggs with Chili Crunch & Toasted Breadcrumbs is a dish that proves how simple ingredients can be elevated with just a little creativity. By layering spicy chili crunch, crispy breadcrumbs, and perfectly cooked jammy eggs, you create a meal that’s not only satisfying but also impressive enough to serve guests.
Whether you’re looking for a new brunch idea, a quick protein-packed snack, or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe deserves a spot in your cooking routine.
Give it a try—and once you’ve mastered it, experiment with the variations to make it your own.
Jammy Eggs with Chili Crunch & Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe
Description
Jammy Eggs with Chili Crunch & Toasted Breadcrumbs is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines perfectly soft-boiled eggs with a luscious golden yolk, crispy toasted breadcrumbs, and a spicy, aromatic chili crunch topping. This quick and satisfying recipe works beautifully as a protein-rich snack, a hearty breakfast, or even a small appetizer for gatherings. The combination of textures—silky jammy eggs, crunchy breadcrumbs, and fiery chili oil—makes this dish both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
For the Jammy Eggs
For the Chili Crunch Topping
For the Toasted Breadcrumbs
For Serving
Instructions
Prepare the Jammy Eggs
- Bring a medium pot of water to a gentle boil (100°C). Add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp vinegar (optional, helps with peeling). Carefully lower the eggs into the water using a spoon. Cook for 6 minutes and 30 seconds for perfect jammy yolks. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 2 minutes. Gently crack and peel.
Make the Toasted Breadcrumbs
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown and crispy (3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley if using.
Prepare the Chili Crunch Topping
- In a small bowl, mix chili crisp, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy and salty you want the topping.
Assemble the Dish
- Slice the jammy eggs in half and place them on a plate or over toasted sourdough bread. Spoon chili crunch mixture generously over each egg. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Note
Storage: Best eaten immediately, but eggs can be boiled ahead of time and stored unpeeled in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Spice Control: Reduce chili crisp if you prefer mild flavors. Add a dash of honey for a sweet-spicy twist.
Variations:
- Add grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Replace breadcrumbs with crushed roasted nuts for a gluten-free option.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a fuller meal.