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This traditional Shakshuka recipe is a must-try for a savory, wholesome vegetarian breakfast! It’s bursting with Middle Eastern flavor and the best runny eggs cooked in one pan! This mixture of just 6 main ingredients plus spices is an impressive yet easy recipe that may be unique to your typical breakfast. Use crusty bread to scoop up all the deliciously rich and spicy sauce and gooey runny eggs.
Have you ever had Shakshuka? It’s as fun to eat as it is to say! The best thing about a Shakshuka recipe for me is the sauce that’s rich and full of some amazing flavors. This is one of those breakfast recipes that is totally doable for dinner. It hits all the marks for an easy-to-make vegetarian recipe that’s also a low-carb, paleo, and keto-friendly dish exploding with flavor!
Table of Contents
- What is Shakshuka
- Why you’ll love this easy shakshuka recipe
- Ingredients to make shakshuka breakfast
- How to make this easy shakshuka recipe
- Tips for making shakshuka with poached eggs
- Popular substitutions & additions
- How to store & reheat Shakshuka
- Frequently asked questions
- More egg recipes
- Shakshuka Recipe
What is Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a classic Middle Eastern recipe made from wholesome ingredients. This traditionally vegetarian dish has a rich, spicy tomato base that cooks into a thick sauce with a mixture of onions, bell peppers, and common Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, cayenne, and paprika. Then, eggs are poached right in the deepened stew-like tomato sauce for a one-pan breakfast.
Why you’ll love this easy shakshuka recipe
- Easy one-pan breakfast. Everyone loves a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t use many dishes. This shakshuka recipe starts by cooking down the veggies, then the tomato sauce, and finishes by poaching the eggs all in the same pan!
- The best savory tomato sauce. Not only is this sauce cooked down in to a thick, velvety consistency, but it’s seasoned with delicious Middle Eastern spices for an aromatic and zingy bite.
- It’s delicious for breakfast or dinner! I love serving this up in the morning, but it’s a game-changer for dinner, too! Make it more filling by serving it over rice or potatoes and adding in diced eggplant!
Ingredients to make shakshuka breakfast
- Vegetables: I like to use a yellow onion for a stronger bite and red bell pepper for its slightly sweeter flavor, both sauteed with garlic until soft.
- Tomatoes and tomato sauce: Use both and allow to cook down to get the best texture and rich, velvety sauce.
- Seasonings: Cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Eggs: The shakshuka eggs are dropped into little ‘nests’ or intentions in the sauce and poached to your liking. I prefer a medium cook where the white is cooked through and the yolks are left runny.
How to make this easy shakshuka recipe
- Cook onions and peppers until soft and translucent, stirring in the garlic after and cooking until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices and stir together.
- After bringing to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer the sauce until it thickens.
- Create small nests in the tomato stew with the back of a spoon.
- Carefully crack an egg into each nest.
- Allow the shakshuka with eggs to steam with a lid until the eggs cook to your liking. Add some fresh cilantro on top and serve with crusty bread.
Tips for making shakshuka with poached eggs
- Use a nonstick skillet. The vegetables cook for about 10 minutes, plus more time to reduce the sauce and cook the eggs, so using a nonstick pan helps ensure no sticking or burning.
- Allow the sauce to simmer before adding eggs. Once the vegetables soften, add the tomatoes and tomato sauce and allow it to simmer and become more stew-like before cracking in the eggs. This thickened consistency of the sauce will help cradle the eggs and deepen the flavor of the Shakshuka.
- Cover the skillet to cook the eggs. The steam created from the lidded pan will help to set the eggs. A glass lid will make it easier to see when they have cooked to your liking without losing any steaminess from being covered.
- Adjust for more runny eggs. If you prefer the eggs runnier, you’ll want to reduce the sauce a couple of extra minutes before cracking the eggs into the pan. Otherwise, the sauce will run into the eggs, and we want to keep them separated for the most part. And make sure to reduce the egg cooking time by 2-3 minutes to get that gooey runny yolk.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Switch up the spices. I love the traditional spices here, including cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. But you can add also some coriander, caraway, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and even sugar (which I don’t find necessary).
- Add a pinch of sugar. The sugar cuts the acidity of the tomatoes, and you’ll notice the flavor becomes more balanced for the Shakshuka sauce.
- Switch up the vegetables. Use yellow or another white onion for the sauce. You can also use green or yellow bell peppers instead of red. Make it more hearty by sauteeing in mushrooms, too.
- Add some cheese. A crumbly cheese such as feta adds the best tangy, salty flavor and is a perfect complement to this tomato egg dish, just like my shakshuka with feta recipe.
- Include some greens. Before adding the eggs, grab a handful of spinach or kale and stir it in. No need to let it cook completely as they will continue to wilt and soften while the eggs steam.
How to store & reheat Shakshuka
Transfer the shakshuka with egg to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Because it has eggs, it’s best to reheat it on the stove instead of the microwave. If you just have sauce left, reheat it on the stove and crack fresh eggs in and cook them to your liking.
How long will Shakshuka last in the fridge?
Without eggs, the tomato base sauce can be stored for up to 3-4 days. If it has leftover eggs, it’s best to eat them within a day or two or just toss the eggs and make them fresh when reheating.
Can I freeze Shakshuka breakfast?
You can certainly freeze the shakshuka sauce after cooking. Bring into to room temperature before transferring to a airtight freezer-safe bag or container.
Want to meal prep a shakshuka breakfast? Lightly spray a muffin pan with oil and divide the sauce into each cup. Place the tray into the freezer until solid, and then transfer the frozen tomato discs into a bag. Then, you can heat up individual serving sizes of shakshuka for a quick breakfast. Use a small pan so you can cook the egg in the sauce.
Frequently asked questions
You can enjoy this shakshuka recipe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For breakfast or brunch, you can enjoy it as is. I love eating it with pita bread or crusty bread, like sourdough or garlic bread. For a larger meal, it pairs really well with a simple salad, like fattoush, or a side, like oven-baked fries or crispy smashed potatoes.
Ideally, this should be enjoyed as soon as it’s cooked so that the egg yolks are nice and runny. You can make the sauce ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, reheat it, then add the eggs to serve.
If you have leftovers, they will keep well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
This is pretty delicious as it is, but you can easily add other things to this shakshuka. Feta cheese is an amazing addition, or add in other veggies like mushrooms.
This Shakshuka Recipe is a staple dish I serve when inviting friends over for a Middle Eastern breakfast or brunch. I love that it’s all made in one skillet and that it’s totally acceptable (and preferable) to serve it in that one skillet. This is one of my favorite egg recipes that is bursting with flavor, full of protein, and enjoyable any time of the day. And if you like this version, be sure to check out my Shakshuka with feta and my Green Shakshuka!
More egg recipes
- Vegetable Frittata
- Low Carb Egg Wrap
- Souffle Omelette
- Easy Buttery Crepes
- Veggie Omelet
- Sweet Potato Huevos Rancheros
- Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
- Classic Omelette
- Breakfast Tortilla Wrap
If you try this feel good Shakshuka recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
This Shakshuka recipe was originally published on October 28, 2018. The recipe has not been modified, but the post now includes new step-by-step photos for how to make Shakshuka.
Shakshuka
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 14 ounce canned diced tomatoes
- 1 14 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 eggs
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook for about 10 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour the tomatoes and tomato sauce, and add cumin, paprika and coriander. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the tomato sauce thickens like a stew, about 10-15 minutes.
- Create 6 small nests in the tomato stew. Gently crack the eggs into the skillet over the tomatoes in the nests formed. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet, and cook until the egg whites have set, about 5-8 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with crusty bread or pita.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
I am not american and we dont use ounce to measure. Internet was no help. What is 1 14 ounce in cups or dl?
14 ounces is about 4 dl.
No.1 breakfast 👏 very tasty !
Amazing dish 😋 full of flavour and very colourful, thank you for sharing 😀
Thank you!
I’ve tried many recipes for shakshuka and yours is hands down the very best! I just made it again and loved every bite!!!
Great recipe – the detail about letting the veggies burn slightly at the beginning is a very good tip! This dish tastes amazing, I can’t believe I made something THIS delicious in my own kitchen. I added a bit of saffron and topped it off with some crumbled feta. The saucy veggies are my favourite part, though! Yum!
Love this! Happy you enjoyed it!
Made this today for my dad and we both Loved it!! ❤️❤️💐
So happy to hear!
I’ve tried many recipes for shakshuka, and had it in several restaurants. Yours is the best of all!! I make it often, mostly exactly as you wrote it, and once in a while I add some feta crumbles between the eggs. I know I can always count on your Lebanese and other Middle Eastern recipes to be wonderful!
Aw, thanks so much, Viv. It really means a lot!
I’m so excited to make this for a brunch with some friends this week. I was just wondering what you mean by tomato sauce? In Australia we call Ketchup “tomato sauce”, so I’m not sure if you’re referring to like a tomato paste or a pasta tomato sauce? Thanks!
Hi Cynthia! So excited to have you make this! The tomato sauce refers to a pasta tomato sauce. Here, we have canned tomato sauce that is just very basic as far as ingredients and is mostly used as an additive to build a base for more complex tomato-based sauce. I am not sure what brands you have available to you, but one would be Muir Glen™ Organic Tomato Sauce. You’ll have to come back and let me know how you liked the Shakshuka!
Bell peppers don’t agree with me. I often substitute celery. Works for me.
Hi Catherine! I’ve never tried celery in this recipe. When you make it, I’d love to know what you think!
I love this recipe my friend’s mom from Lebanon would come and make this for us! it’s been a couple of years and it’s funny I just thought of it last night and I get up this morning and the recipe is in my email you’re the best thank you so much🥰
Wow, that’s so cool! I love how food brings back memories and emotions. You’ll have to let me know what you think of the recipe once you make it!
Thank you Yumna for your recipes. You make cooking sounds simple and authentic.
You are so welcome! That is huge compliment – thank you!
I’ve made this 3 times so far and they’ve all been a hit with friends and family. The first time was the original recipe, the second time I added Cotija cheese, third time was rotisserie chicken and feta’ and the 4th time was iberico chorizo, All hits with everyone. Love all your recipes too by the way!
I’m so glad to hear everyone has been enjoying this recipe! Yay!! Thank you so much.
Hi, how would you make this less spicy?
I would not use any cayenne pepper and make sure the canned tomatoes you’re using doesn’t have diced chilies in them.
Delicious recipe!!! My husband and I devoured it!!
Yay! So happy to hear that! Thanks so much!
We absolutely love your recipes!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ My husband and I made your shakshuka a couple years ago for Thanksgiving, and it has now become our Thanksgiving family tradition for the last two years! It’s so easy and has a TON of flavor! My grandmother even took the recipe back home and shared it with her friends! Thank you so much!!!
That’s so awesome!! Thank you for sharing!!
This person is stealing your recipes and videos and taking credit for them. They also created a blog and stole your entire page.
https://www.reddit.com/r/GifRecipes/comments/iefymp/delicious_shakshuka_recipe/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Oh wow! Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
This recipe is bomb, turned out amazing!!!!!!!????
Thank you so much!
Thanks for this recipe! I’m very new to cooking, but this recipe was easy and delicious (and very pretty)! I also had plenty of leftovers to save. The coriander was also a really flavorful add.
That’s amazing! So glad to hear it! Thanks so much for sharing!
Delicious &filling. Great for keto breakfast or easy dinner
So glad to hear that you enjoyed it! And yes, perfect for keto!
I must say it was really healthy,tasty and easy to prepare.
Gonna try more of your recipes soon ??
Wonderful! I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love the feel good foodie! I made this recipie for dinner last week and it was delicious and perfect! One of my favorite dinners and so easy to make. Incredible flavor and spice but so simple!! I highly recommend this recipie.
Awww thank you so much! I really appreciate the feedback and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!! 🙂
This was so good! I made it to the recipe. Added a bit of feta to garnish. Next time I will add mushrooms to it.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! And I love the idea of adding mushrooms and/or feta to it!
So happy to hear that!! Thank you!!
PS. The coriander was the game changer for me ??
Oh yeah!! I love coriander in this!!
Made this recipe for breakfast a week ago for my son with 8 eggs, cause it was on Sunday and u wanted him to have some for Monday morning…added mushrooms and spinach.
So I asked my son, “do you want 2 or 3 eggs”? He said 2. So dished him two eggs and 2 slice toast, he ended up eating 4 eggs and 3 slice toast ???. Then I thought he could have eaten the whole thing cause he’s a high s hooligan football player. He says it’s the best egg recipe I ever made.
This Shakshuka recipe is the bomb ??, I ❤❤❤ and I think everyone should try it.
Hi Martha! That’s so amazing and I’m so happy your son loved it so much! Can’t believe he ended up eating so much of it. That makes me so happy! Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Love it. The cumin and the added cilantro, though meant for decorative, made it for me.