Classic English Scotch Eggs
Around the World in 80 Eggs: day 9
Scotch Eggs are a perfect blend of savoury and crispy, offering a delicious twist on the classic hard-boiled egg.
Wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection, they make for an irresistible snack or appetiser.
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About this recipe
What Are Scotch Eggs?
Scotch eggs are a classic combination of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in flavourful sausage meat, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection.
This easy-to-make snack is perfect for picnics, parties, or a quick grab-and-go meal.
Surprisingly, despite their name, Scotch eggs are believed to have originated in England, with two popular theories about their creation: one suggests they were invented in a fancy London shop, while another traces their roots to Indian cuisine.
Regardless of where they came from, Scotch eggs are a treat worth making fresh!
Why You Should Make Scotch Eggs from Scratch
While you can find Scotch eggs in supermarkets, nothing beats the taste of homemade ones.
The crispy golden crust, the perfectly seasoned sausage, and the creamy, yolky centre make this snack irresistible. Plus, making them yourself allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavour to your taste.
Tips for Making Perfect Scotch Eggs
- Eggs: Use fresh eggs and boil them just enough to have firm whites and slightly soft yolks (around 7-8 minutes). If you like a firmer yolk, feel free to cook them longer.
- Sausage Meat: Choose high-quality sausage meat or mix your own with ground pork, herbs, and spices for extra flavour.
- Breadcrumbs: For the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs, which are larger and crisp up beautifully when fried.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 200g roasted ham, finely chopped
- 4 pork sausages, de-skinned
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- handful of fresh parsley and thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the batter
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 80g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Boil the Eggs:
Place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 10-12 minutes.
Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After cooling, carefully peel the eggs and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat, chopped ham, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Roll the mixture into 4 equal-sized balls.
3. Wrap the Eggs:
Lay a piece of cling film flat on your work surface. Place one sausage ball in the centre and roll it out into a thin patty large enough to cover the egg.
Place a boiled egg in the centre of the patty, and use the cling film to help wrap the sausage mixture around the egg, ensuring it's evenly coated. Repeat for all the eggs.
4. Bread the Eggs:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Unwrap each egg and dip it first in the flour, then the beaten egg, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs for a nice, even coating.
5. Fry the Scotch Eggs:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180ºC (350°F). Carefully lower the breaded eggs into the hot oil.
Fry each egg for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Place the cooked scotch eggs on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot or cold, though they are best enjoyed within a few hours of making.
Tips:
- If the sausage mixture feels too sticky, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it better.
- Experiment with different sausages for unique flavours, like chorizo or merguez.
- Leftover scotch eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the perfect crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use different meats for the sausage?
Yes! You can use different types of sausages such as chorizo, merguez, or even a turkey sausage to add different flavours to your scotch eggs.
2. How long can I store leftover scotch eggs?
You can store leftover scotch eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
3. Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the scotch eggs and bread them in advance. Simply fry them when you're ready to eat for a fresh, crispy finish.
4. How do I know when the eggs are fully cooked?
The eggs should be boiled for 10-12 minutes for a firm yolk. If you prefer a softer yolk, reduce the boiling time to around 7-8 minutes.
5. Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake the scotch eggs at 180ºC (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes for a lighter option.
Video demonstration
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