I make this fried egg with ketchup when I want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor without putting in much effort. The combination of sweet ketchup, savory soy sauce, and fragrant aromatics creates a rich sauce that coats the eggs beautifully, especially when I serve it over warm rice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
vegetable or canola oil, for sautéing
¼ whole onion
1 stalk scallions
2 eggs
2 tablespoon ketchup
½ tablespoon soy sauce
½ tablespoon garlic
¼ tablespoon oyster sauce
¼ cup water
jalapeño peppers or chili oil, optional
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
sesame oil, for garnish
sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
I start by chopping the onion and scallions, keeping half of the scallions aside for garnish later. Then I heat a little oil in a pan over high heat and sauté the onion with half of the scallions until they become fragrant.
Next, I crack the eggs directly into the pan over the aromatics and let them cook until they are partially set. While the eggs cook, I mix the ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, oyster sauce, and water in a small bowl.
Once the eggs are partially cooked, I pour the sauce into the pan and gently baste the eggs with it. I let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly so it thickens and coats everything nicely.
If I feel like adding heat, I include jalapeño peppers or a drizzle of chili oil at this stage. Then I season with salt and black pepper to taste.
To finish, I drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the top and sprinkle sesame seeds along with the remaining scallions. I like serving it immediately over a bowl of warm rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 serving.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cookingtime:10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Calories: 260 kcal
Variations
I sometimes switch things up depending on what I have available. I like adding a bit of butter along with the oil for extra richness. When I want more protein, I include small pieces of cooked chicken or tofu. For a deeper flavor, I occasionally add a pinch of sugar or a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sauce. If I want a spicier version, I go heavier on chili oil or add fresh chopped chilies.
Storage/Reheating
I usually eat this dish fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. When reheating, I prefer using a pan over low heat and adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving too long because the eggs can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil?
I can use any neutral oil like sunflower or even a light olive oil, as long as it doesn’t overpower the flavor.
Is this dish very sweet because of the ketchup?
I find it balanced rather than overly sweet because the soy sauce and oyster sauce add a savory depth that offsets the ketchup.
Can I make this recipe without oyster sauce?
Yes, I can skip it or replace it with a bit more soy sauce, though I notice the flavor will be slightly less rich.
What can I serve this with besides rice?
I sometimes serve it with noodles, toast, or even wrap it in a flatbread for a quick meal.
How do I keep the eggs from overcooking?
I make sure to add the sauce while the eggs are still slightly runny and keep the heat controlled so they finish cooking gently.
Conclusion
I find this fried egg with ketchup to be one of the simplest yet most satisfying meals I can make. It turns basic ingredients into a flavorful dish with minimal effort, and I can easily adapt it to suit my taste. Whenever I need a quick comfort meal, this recipe is always one of my first choices.
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Fried Egg with Ketchup
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and comforting fried egg dish coated in a savory-sweet ketchup and soy sauce glaze, finished with fragrant aromatics. Perfect served over warm rice for an easy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetable or canola oil, for sautéing
¼ whole onion, chopped
1 stalk scallions, chopped (divided)
2 eggs
2 tbsp ketchup
½ tbsp soy sauce
½ tbsp garlic
¼ tbsp oyster sauce
¼ cup water
Jalapeño peppers or chili oil (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Sesame oil, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Chop the onion and scallions, setting aside half of the scallions for garnish.
- Heat oil in a pan over high heat and sauté the onion with half of the scallions until fragrant.
- Crack the eggs directly into the pan over the aromatics and cook until partially set.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, oyster sauce, and water.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and gently baste the eggs as it simmers and slightly thickens.
- Add jalapeño peppers or chili oil if desired, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, sesame seeds, and the remaining scallions. Serve immediately, preferably over warm rice.
Notes
For extra richness, add a small amount of butter along with the oil.
Boost protein by adding cooked chicken or tofu.
Balance flavors with a pinch of sugar or a splash of rice vinegar if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and avoid overcooking the eggs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 370 mg
