Homemade Scotch Eggs with Spicy Pork and Chives Recipe
Classic Scotch Eggs feature soft-boiled eggs encased in seasoned ground pork, coated with crispy panko crumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection. This recipe creates a deliciously crunchy exterior with a tender, flavorful center, perfect as a hearty snack or a delightful entree.
- Author: Cleo
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 Scotch Eggs 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Eggs and Boiling
- 8 large eggs, divided
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Seasonings for Pork
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp poultry seasoning
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp pepper
Meat Mixture
- 1 ½ lb lean ground pork
- 2 tsp grainy mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for breading station)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 remaining large eggs (for breading station)
- 2 ½ cups panko crumbs
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Garnish
- Extra chopped chives, for garnish
- Prepare Eggs: Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. If eggs are cold, warm them to room temperature in warm water. Carefully add six eggs to the boiling water and cook for 4 1/2 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Remove from heat, drain, and transfer to an ice-cold water bath to stop cooking. Once cooled, gently peel the eggs without breaking.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, allspice, and pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with the mixed spices, thoroughly mixing by hand to distribute evenly. Stir in the grainy mustard and chopped fresh chives. Divide the pork mixture into six equal portions.
- Wrap Eggs: Place flour in a shallow dish. Roll each peeled egg in flour, shaking off excess. Flatten one portion of pork mixture into a disc and carefully wrap it around the floured egg, sealing all edges completely. Refrigerate these wrapped eggs until ready to bread.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three containers: flour in the first, whisked eggs mixed with water in the second, and panko crumbs in the third. Roll each pork-wrapped egg first in flour, then in the egg wash, and finally in panko crumbs, pressing gently to adhere crumbs. Place on a plate and repeat for all eggs.
- Double Coat: For an extra crispy crust, dip each breaded egg again in egg wash followed by a second coating of panko crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to fry.
- Heat Oil: Fill a deep saucepan with about 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium until the temperature reaches 320°F (160°C). Maintain oil temperature between 310°F and 320°F throughout frying.
- Fry Scotch Eggs: Using a slotted spoon, carefully submerge 2-3 eggs at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 12 minutes, turning regularly to ensure even browning, until the internal pork temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried eggs with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack-lined baking sheet or paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with extra chopped chives if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Warming eggs to room temperature before boiling ensures accurate cooking times and prevents cracking.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor oil temperature precisely for optimal frying texture and safety.
- The double breading helps create an extra crispy and substantial crust around the eggs.
- Soft-boiled eggs require gentle handling to avoid breaking the delicate whites.
- Leftover Scotch Eggs can be refrigerated and served cold or reheated in an oven for best texture.
Keywords: Scotch eggs, soft boiled eggs, ground pork, deep-fried snack, British appetizer, crispy breaded eggs