Easy Shakshuka Recipe: Your Perfect One-Pan Mediterranean Breakfast or Brunch

Easy Shakshuka is a traditional, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful dish, celebrated for its perfect blend of savory spices, fresh vegetables, and gently poached eggs. This one-pan wonder effortlessly combines rich tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and warm spices to create a comforting meal ideal for breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a light dinner. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with an explosion of taste, this easy shakshuka recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Shakshuka

If you haven’t experienced the delightful flavors of easy shakshuka eggs before, prepare for a culinary revelation! This simple yet incredibly satisfying egg dish delivers a powerful flavor punch. At its heart lies a rich, savory, and perfectly spiced tomato sauce, which forms the luscious base.

Once the vibrant tomato sauce has simmered to perfection, fresh eggs are gently cracked directly into the bubbling mixture. Here, they poach until cooked to your preference. I personally recommend cooking the eggs until the whites are just set, leaving the yolks wonderfully soft and runny. This creates the ideal texture for dipping warm pita bread or crusty toast, allowing you to savor every drop of the flavorful sauce. It’s a truly comforting and engaging way to enjoy a meal.

Beyond its incredible taste, shakshuka is a fantastic way to incorporate high-quality protein into everyone’s diet, including picky eaters. Served alongside its spicy (or mild, if preferred) tomato sauce, it offers a wholesome and healthy start to the day. For families with young children or those sensitive to heat, simply adjust or omit the chili powder to create a milder version that everyone can enjoy.

One of the greatest advantages of this shakshuka recipe is its convenience. Everything comes together in a single skillet, drastically cutting down on cleanup time. This makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Don’t confine this versatile dish to just breakfast! Easy Shakshuka makes a superb tasting and remarkably healthy meal at any time of the day. For an impressive brunch spread, it pairs beautifully with other dishes like some homemade yogurt, a hearty Egg Sausage Casserole, and delightful Air Fryer French Toast Sticks.

I always enjoy adding egg-centric dishes to a brunch menu because they are known to provide sustained energy and keep guests feeling satisfied and full. Some other personal favorites that I frequently serve alongside or as alternatives include this savory Bacon Egg Salad, a zesty Southwestern Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs, a comforting Southern-Style Egg Salad, or these convenient Breakfast Egg Muffins. Each offers a unique flavor profile while delivering that essential protein boost.

For those looking to explore variations, there’s also the intriguing Green Shakshuka, a vibrant twist on the classic. This version is typically packed full of leafy greens, an abundance of fresh herbs, and, of course, perfectly poached eggs, offering a refreshing and equally delicious alternative to the traditional tomato-based dish.

What is Shakshuka? A Brief Overview

Shakshuka is a delectable and hearty dish featuring eggs delicately poached in a rich, simmering tomato sauce. This sauce is typically infused with robust flavors from olive oil, garlic, bell peppers, onions, an array of warm spices, and fragrant fresh herbs. The preparation begins with crafting this deeply flavorful tomato base, which is then brought to a gentle simmer. Once the sauce reaches the perfect consistency, eggs are carefully cracked directly into it, where they cook until the whites are set and the yolks are just as you like them.

This shakshuka recipe is not only a healthy breakfast dish but also a fantastic source of nutrition. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the abundance of vegetables in the tomato sauce, complemented by the high-quality protein found in the eggs. This makes it an excellent choice for a satisfying brunch or a light yet fulfilling lunch option. It’s a culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Where Does Shakshuka Originate From? Its Rich History

Shakshuka is a dish with deep roots in North Africa, particularly associated with Tunisian and Libyan cuisines. However, its popularity has spread far and wide, making it a beloved staple across the Middle East and beyond. As a result, you’ll find numerous regional variations, each adding its unique twist to this classic recipe. Despite the variations, the core concept of eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce remains consistent.

This delightful dish perfectly embodies the principles of the Mediterranean diet, being loaded with wholesome and nutritious ingredients. It’s a naturally vegetarian meal, rich in plant-based goodness and an excellent source of protein, making it a fantastic option for anyone seeking a healthy, satisfying, and flavorful meat-free dish.

Essential Ingredients for This Easy Shakshuka Recipe

Creating this flavorful Easy Shakshuka requires a selection of fresh and pantry staples that come together harmoniously:

• OLIVE OIL: Extra-virgin olive oil is my preferred choice, true to Mediterranean culinary traditions. Its rich flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• BELL PEPPER: You can use either a red or green bell pepper, depending on your preference. Red peppers tend to be slightly sweeter, adding a touch of mild sweetness to the sauce, while green peppers offer a more robust, earthy note.
• WHITE ONION: A diced white onion provides a fundamental aromatic base for the tomato sauce. Yellow or red onions can also be used interchangeably.
• GARLIC: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for adding depth and a pungent aroma to the tomato sauce. While highly recommended for flavor, it can be omitted if necessary.
• SPICES: A carefully balanced blend of paprika, cumin, ground coriander, and chili powder creates the signature warm and savory profile of shakshuka. For a bolder, spicier sauce, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce or skip the chili entirely.
• TOMATOES: This recipe relies on a hearty tomato mixture. Canned diced tomatoes form the foundation of the rich sauce, providing convenience and consistent flavor. For an added layer of smoky depth, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes. If you desire a thicker sauce, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be added along with the diced tomatoes. While traditional shakshuka often utilizes very ripe fresh tomatoes that are no longer ideal for salads, canned options are recommended for ease and availability. Tomato puree is another excellent alternative to diced tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
• EGGS: Fresh, high-quality eggs are paramount for the best texture and flavor. I am fortunate to source fresh, free-range eggs, which not only taste superior but are also packed with protein. The cooking of the eggs is entirely up to you, but a soft, runny yolk is ideal for dipping.
• FRESH HERBS: A generous inclusion of chopped cilantro and parsley is stirred into the tomato sauce during cooking and then scattered over the finished dish just before serving. These fresh herbs contribute a burst of vibrant flavor and aroma, elevating the entire dish.

How to Make Easy Shakshuka: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious one-pan shakshuka is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, and sauté them gently. Stir frequently until they soften and become translucent, which typically takes about 5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your sauce.




2. Infuse with Spices: Now, add the minced garlic, sugar, salt, paprika, cumin, ground coriander, and chili powder (and cayenne red pepper if using) to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and the garlic to become wonderfully fragrant. This step deepens the overall flavor profile of the dish.
3. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and stir in the fresh cilantro and parsley. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.




4. Poach the Eggs: Once the sauce is simmering, use a spoon to create 6 equally spaced indentations (crevasses) in the tomato mixture. Carefully crack one egg into each crevasse.




5. Cook to Perfection: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook the eggs to your desired consistency. For beautifully set whites and runny yolks, approximately 6 minutes on low heat is usually perfect. If you prefer firmer yolks, simply cook for a few extra minutes.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the eggs are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter additional fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley) over the top for garnish and a final flourish of freshness. Serve your Easy Shakshuka immediately, ideally with plenty of crusty bread or warm pita to soak up every last drop of the rich, savory sauce.

Is Shakshuka Spicy? Customizing Your Heat Level

Traditional shakshuka does feature a warm and aromatic spice profile, but the level of heat is entirely adaptable to your taste buds. My recipe includes a thoughtful combination of paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and a touch of chili powder. This blend creates a flavorful dish that is rich and savory without being overwhelmingly hot.

If you prefer more heat and a fiery kick, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne red pepper. For those who prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether. Shakshuka is a wonderfully forgiving and customizable dish, encouraging you to adjust the spicing to perfectly suit your personal preference.

Expert Tips for Making Perfect Shakshuka Eggs

To ensure your easy shakshuka turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• One-Pan Convenience: Embrace the beauty of cooking everything in a single skillet. This not only saves precious cleanup time but also means your delicious meal can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Vary Your Veggies: While this recipe uses red bell peppers, onion, and garlic, feel free to get creative with other vegetables you enjoy. Diced eggplant, carrots, spinach, or zucchini would also be wonderful additions, adding more nutrients and complexity to the sauce.
• Freshness Matters: Always use the freshest eggs you can find. High-quality eggs make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of the finished dish, especially with the runny yolks.
• Add a Cheesy Touch: For an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, crumble some cheese over the shakshuka before or after cooking the eggs. Feta cheese or goat cheese offer a tangy, salty contrast, while a sprinkle of mozzarella provides a mild, melty richness.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover shakshuka can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Be mindful not to overcook the eggs if they were already runny.
• Dollop of Yogurt or Labneh: A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or traditional labneh swirled into your serving adds a cooling, creamy counterpoint to the rich, spiced tomato sauce.
• Stir in Harissa: If you love a smoky, spicy kick, a spoonful of harissa paste stirred into the tomato sauce can add incredible depth and authentic North African flavor.
• Ensure Even Egg Cooking: To help the egg whites cook more thoroughly while maintaining a runny yolk, gently spoon some of the hot tomato sauce over the whites during the poaching process. While 6 minutes on low heat often yields runny yolks, you can adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired consistency – about 10 minutes for slightly firmer yolks.
• Choose the Right Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet (ideally cast iron or enameled cast iron) with a tight-fitting lid is best. This ensures even heat distribution and allows ample space for the eggs without overcrowding.

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Shakshuka

I find the best way to enjoy my Easy Shakshuka is straight from the skillet, allowing everyone to gather around and serve themselves family-style. The essential accompaniment is plenty of warm pita bread or slices of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce and dipping into those delicious runny egg yolks. You can also serve it with Homemade Baked Pita Chips or Homemade Tortilla Chips for a delightful crunch.

This dish’s versatility means it truly is perfect for any time of day – a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or even a comforting dinner. Its bold flavors and engaging presentation make it a favorite for entertaining or a simple weeknight meal.

Other Great Tasting Egg Recipes to Try

If you love eggs as much as I do, here are some other fantastic recipes to explore:

• Chaffles Recipe
• Mediterranean Frittata
• Southwest Breakfast Egg Tacos
• Turkey Sausage and Egg Puff Pastry Pizza
• Southwestern Turkey Sausage Egg Cups
• Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Frittata