If you are craving a breakfast or brunch dish that bursts with flavor and is wonderfully simple to make, this Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the rich aroma of garlic, the freshness of parsley, and the comfort of perfectly cooked eggs swimming in golden olive oil, this dish brings a taste of Spain right to your kitchen. It’s vibrant, hearty, and feels like a warm hug on a plate that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures in your Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the punchy garlic, silky olive oil, or fresh parsley adding color and brightness.
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped: Essential for making a rich, flavorful garlic-parsley sauce.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (8 grams): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and bright green color.
- Pinch sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30 ml): Used to blend the garlic and parsley into a luscious sauce.
- 4 cage-free organic eggs: The heart of the dish, fresh eggs give the best texture and richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: For infusing the olive oil and adding crispy, golden garlic bites.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml): Provides the perfect medium to gently fry the eggs and garlic.
- Dash black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth at the end.
How to Make Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic-Parsley Sauce
Start by pounding 2 roughly chopped garlic cloves with fresh parsley and a pinch of sea salt in a mortar with a pestle until you have a fragrant, green paste. This simple sauce is the flavor powerhouse and sets the tone for the whole dish. Stir in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to bring it all together into a luscious dressing. Set this aside while you begin cooking the eggs.
Step 2: Warm the Olive Oil
Pour 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil into a small or medium frying pan and warm it over medium heat. This oil will gently cook the eggs and garlic slices, infusing everything with that beautiful rich flavor. Take care to get the oil hot but not smoking—this ensures your garlic crisps just right without burning.
Step 3: Slice Garlic and Prepare Eggs
While the oil is warming, thinly slice the remaining 4 cloves of garlic to create golden, crispy bits. Crack the eggs into two small bowls, two eggs each, making it easier to slide them gently into the pan without breaking the yolks. This little step makes cooking seamless and keeps eggs perfectly whole.
Step 4: Cook Garlic and Eggs
Add half of the sliced garlic to the warm oil and stir for about 30 to 45 seconds until it starts to turn a light golden brown. This quick toasting infuses the oil with garlic aroma and creates those irresistible crispy pieces. Carefully add two eggs to the pan and arrange the garlic evenly on top. Let the eggs fry undisturbed to develop a tender white and slightly crisp edges beneath.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Eggs
When you see a golden crust forming on the bottom after about 1 to 2 minutes, gently spoon some of the hot garlic-infused oil over the tops of the eggs to help cook the whites without drying them out. This technique keeps the yolks luscious and slightly runny while making the whites perfectly tender.
Step 6: Repeat and Assemble
Carefully transfer the cooked eggs to a serving dish, letting excess oil drip back into the pan. Repeat the garlic-frying and egg-cooking process with the remaining garlic and eggs. Once all eggs are cooked, season them with sea salt and a dash of black pepper, then generously spoon over the reserved parsley-garlic sauce. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this cozy Spanish classic!
How to Serve Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, sprinkle a few extra fresh parsley leaves on top for a bright, fresh touch. A few paprika flakes or smoked paprika can add warmth and a subtle smoky kick, enhancing that authentic Spanish flair. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of red chili flakes scattered over the eggs works beautifully.
Side Dishes
Spanish Garlic Eggs taste incredible paired with crusty bread to mop up all that garlic-infused olive oil. A fresh tomato salad or a simple bowl of sautéed greens like spinach or kale bring a lovely balance and freshness. For a heavier brunch, serve alongside chorizo slices, roasted potatoes, or olives to complement the dish’s bold garlic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. For a rustic touch, serve the eggs in a shallow terracotta dish just as they come out of the pan. For a festive brunch, place the eggs atop grilled sourdough slices and drizzle extra garlic-parsley sauce over everything. You can also individually plate the eggs and drizzle the sauce artistically to impress your guests with a beautiful, flavorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the eggs separately from the garlic-parsley sauce to keep textures fresh. Place the eggs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce keeps well for 3 to 4 days in a sealed jar in the fridge, allowing you to make the next batch even faster.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh since frozen eggs tend to lose their tender texture. The garlic-parsley sauce, however, freezes beautifully. Portion it into an ice cube tray or small containers and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before use to brighten up your eggs or any other dishes.
Reheating
Reheat leftover eggs gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning a little olive oil on top to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that delicious texture. Warm the garlic-parsley sauce separately and drizzle generously over the eggs once heated through for that signature flavor.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While garlic powder can provide some flavor, fresh garlic is essential in this Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe for its vibrant aroma and the textural contrast of crispy garlic slices. Fresh garlic also imparts a depth you just can’t replicate with powder.
Are cage-free organic eggs necessary for this dish?
Using cage-free organic eggs is recommended because their yolks tend to have richer color and flavor, which enhances the overall experience. However, good-quality eggs from your local market will work well too.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on eggs, so it is not naturally vegan. However, you could attempt a vegan version using tofu or chickpea flour “egg” alternatives and still infuse plenty of garlic and parsley for that Spanish-inspired flavor profile.
What type of olive oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for this recipe because it has the right balance of fruity and peppery notes that complement the garlic and parsley beautifully. Avoid overly mild or light olive oils as they may lack the necessary flavor punch.
Can I add other herbs besides parsley?
Parsley is classic and provides freshness, but you could experiment with herbs like cilantro, chives, or even a bit of fresh oregano. Just keep in mind that parsley’s bright green color and mild flavor make it the perfect match for this particular Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Spain into your kitchen with minimal fuss but loads of flavor. It’s satisfying, comforting, and elegant in its simplicity — perfect for weekend brunches or whenever you crave something special yet easy. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and add it to your regular rotation; once you do, those garlicky, eggy bites are going to become a fast favorite for you and your loved ones.
Print
Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2.2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
This Spanish Garlic Eggs recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the richness of cage-free eggs with the aromatic punch of garlic and fresh parsley. Fried gently in extra virgin olive oil with garlic slices, the eggs are crowned with a vibrant parsley-garlic sauce that adds depth and freshness. Perfect for a quick breakfast or light meal, this recipe highlights authentic Spanish flavors with minimal ingredients and straightforward technique.
Ingredients
Parsley-Garlic Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (8 grams)
- Pinch sea salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
Fried Eggs
- 4 cage-free organic eggs
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
- Dash black pepper
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Make the parsley-garlic sauce: In a mortar, add the 2 roughly chopped garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. Pound the mixture with a pestle until it forms a smooth paste. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and stir to combine. Set this fragrant sauce aside to use later.
- Heat the olive oil: Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil into a small to medium frying pan. Warm the oil over medium heat while you prepare the eggs and garlic to ensure it’s hot enough for frying.
- Prepare garlic and eggs: Thinly slice the remaining 4 cloves of garlic. Crack the eggs into two small bowls, placing 2 eggs in each bowl. This makes it easier to add them gently to the pan later without breaking the yolks.
- Fry garlic and eggs – first batch: When the olive oil is hot but not smoking, add half of the sliced garlic. Stir the garlic with the oil for 30–45 seconds until it lightly browns and releases its aroma. Gently slide two eggs into the pan. Arrange the browned garlic slices on top of the eggs. Fry the eggs without moving them to allow a golden crust to develop on the bottom.
- Cook the eggs: After about 1–2 minutes, when the bottom of the eggs has formed a golden crust, carefully spoon some of the hot garlic-infused oil over the tops of the eggs for a few seconds. This helps finish cooking the whites gently and evenly.
- Repeat with second batch: Using a spatula, remove the cooked eggs from the pan and let excess oil drip back into the pan. Then repeat the frying process with the remaining garlic slices and eggs. Place all cooked eggs on a serving dish.
- Season and serve: Season the eggs with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of black pepper. Generously spoon the reserved parsley-garlic sauce over the eggs. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavors and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Cracking eggs into bowls before adding to pan helps prevent broken yolks and ensures even cooking.
- The garlic should be lightly browned but not burnt to avoid bitterness.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for garlic intensity.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic oil and sauce.
