These Sweet and Sour Fried Eggs are crispy, saucy, and ready in minutes—a quick and flavorful twist on a Chinese-inspired classic

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SWEET AND SOUR FRIED EGGS

Crispy, jammy eggs bathed in a glossy, sweet-and-sour sauce—this quick and cozy dish is a hidden gem in the world of easy home cooking. Whether you’re craving something comforting with rice or looking for a fun twist on your usual egg dishes, these Sweet and Sour Fried Eggs deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by Chinese homestyle cooking, the sauce is a beautiful balance of tangy vinegar, savory soy sauce, and just the right touch of sweetness from ketchup and sugar. It’s bold, nostalgic, and wonderfully satisfying.

You only need a few basic pantry ingredients, plus eggs, to make this dish come together in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast lunch or a comforting dinner when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and warming. Serve it over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, and you’ve got a complete meal with barely any prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those days when you want something fast, cozy, and flavorful. It feels nostalgic, almost like something your grandma would throw together in minutes, but it’s got that glossy, restaurant-style finish. It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. The sauce is the real star here—tangy, sweet, and full of umami, and it turns a humble egg into something deeply comforting.

INGREDIENTS FOR SWEET AND SOUR FRIED EGGS

For the eggs:

• 3 eggs

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 scallion, chopped (for garnish)

For the sweet and sour sauce:

• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1/4 cup water

COOKING STEPS FOR SWEET AND SOUR FRIED EGGS

1. Make the sauce

In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set aside while you fry the eggs.

2. Fry the eggs

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, crack in the eggs. Let them cook until the whites are almost set and the edges start to crisp. Flip the eggs gently with a spatula and cook for just a few more seconds on the other side—this gives the eggs a lovely golden texture while keeping the yolks soft and jammy.

3. Add the sauce

Pour the prepared sauce directly into the skillet with the eggs. It will begin to bubble and thicken quickly. Simmer for about 1–2 minutes, flipping the eggs once more so both sides get evenly coated in the glossy sauce.

4. Garnish and serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped scallion, and plate the eggs with a generous spoonful of the sweet and sour sauce. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a quick and satisfying meal.

TIPS FOR PERFECT SWEET AND SOUR EGGS

•Control the yolk doneness: For softer yolks, reduce the second frying time and don’t overcook after adding the sauce.

•Fry the eggs in stages if you prefer crispier edges—use a bit more oil for an extra golden crust.

•Use a nonstick pan to keep the eggs intact when flipping and prevent sticking.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SWEET AND SOUR EGGS

This dish pairs best with fluffy white rice to soak up the tangy sauce – this is one of my go-to meals!

For a fuller meal, serve it alongside simple stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas. You can also serve it with:

• Garlic fried rice

• Cucumber salad or pickled radish

• A side of soup (like miso or light chicken broth)

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

• Eggs: This recipe works best with fresh, large eggs, but you can also use duck eggs for a richer flavor.

• Soy sauce: If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can just use more regular soy sauce—it may be a little lighter in color, but still delicious.

• Vinegar: Rice vinegar or white vinegar both work. For a sharper tang, you can use black vinegar or even apple cider vinegar.

• Ketchup: Tomato paste with a little sugar can be used in a pinch, though ketchup gives that classic sweet-and-sour taste.

• Want more spice? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of chili oil to the sauce.

QUICK FAQ

Can I meal prep this?

Yes! While it’s best fresh, Sweet and Sour Fried Eggs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just microwave it for 30–60 seconds until warmed through. The eggs may lose a bit of crispness, but the flavor will still be delicious and satisfying.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even stir-fried cabbage for extra volume and nutrients.

Can I make this vegan?

You can substitute the eggs with tofu slabs, pan-fried until crispy, and follow the same steps with the sauce.