The First Time I Screwed This Up…
I thought I could wing this. Tossed some eggs on top of a random veggie mix and expected Gordon-level results. Instead? Watery salsa, rubbery eggs, and heat that hit like a punch, not a thrill. What I didn’t understand was how controlled this chaos needs to be. Ramsay’s take is bold, yes—but it’s structured. Like all his best dishes, it’s built on precision and timing. Once I got that? Game changer.
This version breaks it down the way I wish I’d had from the start: heat layering, egg control, and how to get that Mexican vibrancy without turning it into a spicy mess. Let’s get you locked in.
Why This Works (And Where Most Go Wrong)
Most people treat this like a stir-fry with eggs. That’s your first mistake.
Here’s what makes Ramsay’s version different:
- He doesn’t scramble, he nests. The salsa is a base. The eggs are dropped into cleared space, not just cracked on top. That’s crucial for texture control.
- It’s layered heat. The bird’s eye chili doesn’t dominate—it spikes a medley of mellow, sweet veg.
- Covered cook = gentle steam. That lid isn’t optional. It’s how you get set whites and molten yolks.
Where people blow it? Overcrowding the pan, skipping the butter, or going full inferno with the chili. Don’t. This dish isn’t about being macho—it’s about being in control.
Ingredients That Actually Matter
- Kale (3 leaves, chopped) – Earthy backbone; softens into the salsa, adds depth.
- Onion (1, chopped) – Sweetness and base flavor. Don’t skip it.
- Green & Red Peppers (1 each, chopped) – Balance the bitterness and sweetness.
- Bird’s Eye Chili (1, finely chopped) – Heat with high-frequency punch. Don’t use two unless you’ve tested your threshold.
- Courgette/Zucchini (1, chopped) – Juicy texture, soaks up spice.
- Garlic (1 clove, chopped) – Cuts through the richness. No pre-minced nonsense.
- Tomato Passata (150ml) – Smooth acid hit to unify it all.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) + Butter (1 knob) – Oil for sauté, butter for egg flavor finish.
- Eggs (8, free-range) – You want bright yolks and structure in the white.
- Salt + Black Pepper – Season the salsa before cooking. Crucial.
- Coriander (handful) – Final hit of brightness.
- Tortillas (2, warmed) – Don’t toast them to death. Soft, pliable is the move.
- Hot Chili Sauce (to taste) – Optional finisher, but keep it on the side, not in the pan.
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Spicy Mexican Eggs
Start with the salsa. Mix the chopped kale, onion, peppers, chili, courgette, garlic, and tomato passata in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. This mix shouldn’t be watery—if your courgette’s too juicy, pat it dry.
Heat a medium nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add a touch of olive oil. Spoon in about ¼ of the salsa and let it sizzle for 1–2 minutes.
Make a well in the center using the back of a spoon. Add a knob of butter into the space. When it melts, crack in two eggs.
Cover with a lid and reduce heat slightly. Let it steam for 3–4 minutes—watch for whites setting and yolks still jiggly.
Lift the eggs and salsa out gently and keep warm (tray in a low oven works).
Repeat with the remaining salsa and eggs in batches. Don’t crowd the pan. Patience matters here.
Serve hot, sprinkled with coriander. Offer warm tortillas on the side and let people spoon in salsa and eggs like tacos. Hit with chili sauce only if you need more fire.

What Gordon Ramsay Says About This Dish
“The eggs should be soft, just cooked—not fried to death.”
→ He’s obsessed with texture. Cooked yolks kill the dish’s soul.
“Don’t be lazy with vegetables—slice them clean, even.”
→ Uneven cuts = uneven cooking. You’ll get mush and crunch in the same bite. No thanks.
“Let the salsa cook before adding eggs—never cold.”
→ Cold salsa drops the pan temp. The eggs won’t cook evenly, and you’ll get soupy mess.
What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- I overfilled the pan. Big mistake. Salsa steamed, not sautéed. Solution? Cook in batches.
- I skipped the butter. Thought it wasn’t essential. It is. Adds body to the eggs and melds the salsa.
- Cracked eggs too early. If the salsa isn’t hot enough, the eggs won’t set. Always give it 1–2 min of sizzle first.
Variations That Actually Hold Up
- Add black beans – ½ cup per batch gives protein bump, but don’t overload.
- Swap kale for spinach – Works fine, but cook spinach down first to avoid water overload.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco – Delivers a creamy, salty finish without overpowering.
Avoid: Adding meat. Chorizo turns it greasy and messes with the egg timing unless fully pre-cooked and drained.
Pro Tips That Change the Game
- Use a clear lid if you have one. You can see the whites set without lifting and losing steam.
- Rest the salsa between batches in a low oven (~90°C/200°F) so it doesn’t dry out.
- Wipe the pan lightly between rounds if bits start burning.
Storage + Leftover Moves
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a lid over low heat. Avoid microwave—it overcooks the eggs.
- Leftover move: Chop the eggs and salsa, roll into a burrito with cheese and refry it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I use canned salsa instead?
A: Not if you want control. Store-bought salsa is watery and overly seasoned. Make it fresh.
Q: Can I scramble the eggs instead?
A: You can, but you’ll lose the signature “poached-in-salsa” effect Ramsay built this dish around.
Q: What makes it Mexican?
A: It’s not authentic, it’s inspired. The flavor profile leans Mexican: chili, peppers, tortillas, fresh herbs.
Q: Why cover the pan?
A: To trap steam. That’s how you set the eggs without flipping or frying them to death.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—just skip the butter. Add a splash more oil, but you’ll lose a bit of richness.
Try More Recipes:
Gordon Ramsay Spicy Mexican Eggs Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes681.11
kcalBold, colorful, and full of heat—this quick skillet dish blends veggies, chili, and eggs for a vibrant breakfast or brunch you can build and spice exactly how you like it.
Ingredients
- For the salsa:
3 kale leaves, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 small bird’s eye chili, finely chopped
1 courgette, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
150ml tomato passata
1 tbsp olive oil
1 knob of butter
8 free-range eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- To serve:
A handful of fresh coriander leaves
2 soft flour or corn tortillas, warmed in the oven
Hot chili sauce, to taste
Directions
- Mix kale, onion, peppers, chili, courgette, garlic, and passata. Season.
- Heat oil in pan. Add ¼ salsa. Sauté 1–2 min.
- Make a well, add butter, crack 2 eggs into it.
- Cover and steam 3–4 min. Whites set, yolks soft.
- Remove gently, keep warm. Repeat for rest.
- Serve with coriander, warm tortillas, and chili sauce.
Notes
- Use a clear lid if you have one. You can see the whites set without lifting and losing steam.
- Rest the salsa between batches in a low oven (~90°C/200°F) so it doesn’t dry out.
- Wipe the pan lightly between rounds if bits start burning.