Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

This easy Shakshuka is a one-skillet meal that can be served for breakfast or dinner. Eggs poached in a rich garlicky tomato sauce for a hearty and satisfying breakfast. This is delicious any time of day but it’s perfect for a memorable family breakfast on the weekend.

All you need to enjoy this Shakshuka recipe is some Pita Bread or Focaccia to soak up the extra sauce.

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

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Shakshuka

Everyone loves one-pan breakfasts like Frittatas, or a Breakfast Casserole because they are easy and you don’t end up with a sink full of pots and pans to tackle after breakfast. I love that this shakshuka recipe comes together in one skillet and you serve it right out of the pan.

We visited the Seattle area a couple of weeks ago and stayed with my husband’s cousin, Angelina. Their family made us this Shakshuka for breakfast and everyone loved it. He had 2 skillets going at once to feed a crowd. When my 12-year-old son got in line for refills, I knew I had to re-create this yummy dish at home. It has been on our rotation ever since.

We especially love to serve it for holiday weekends like Easter. Even though it’s a simple recipe, it really feels special.

Shakshuka Video Tutorial

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What is Shakshuka?

The word “Shakshuka” means ‘mixture’ and is essentially eggs poached in a tomato sauce with other vegetables. Shakshuka originated in North Africa but there are so many variations of it across the middle east. It’s also called ‘eggs in purgatory’ in Italy, or ‘huevos rancheros’ in Mexican cuisine. It’s quite popular throughout Egypt and Palestine.

Shakshuka is also widely enjoyed in Israel among the Jewish community and it has various names including shakshouka, shaksuka, shakshouki. If you are looking for a Shakshuka recipe that came out of Israel, our Spicy Israeli Shakshuka is delicious.

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (2)

Ingredients

  • Breakfast Sausage – this ingredient isn’t usually added to shakshuka but I think it’s brilliant and adds tons of flavor and protein to the dish. You can use your favorite breakfast sauce, but we’ve had great results with Simple Truth and Hemplers brands. You could also use a spicy sausage or Italian sausage.
  • Unsalted Butter – used to saute onion. You can sub with olive oil if you prefer.
  • Onion – we use a yellow onion, but a Vidalia or sweet onion would also work
  • Garlic – 4 minced cloves should be about 1 1/2 Tbsp. It mellows out in the pan but adds a wonderful garlicky flavor to the tomato sauce.
  • Tomatoes – use canned whole peeled tomatoes.
  • Salt – brings out the flavor of tomatoes
  • Sugar – balances the acidity of tomatoes. A little goes a long way – all you need is 1/4 tsp sugar.
  • Eggs – You can fit 5 to 6 eggs in a skillet to give them room to poach in the tomato sauce. Don’t overcrowd the pan with too many eggs.
  • Parsley – use a generous amount. The heat will soften the parsley
  • Parmesan cheese – add freshly grated parmesan over individual plates when serving.
Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (3)

How to Make Shakshuka

  1. Cook Sausage – brown sausage in a 12-inch skillet with 1 Tbsp oil and transfer to a plate.
  2. Sautee onion – melt 4 Tbsp butter in the same skillet and saute onion until golden. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
  3. Add tomatoes into the pan with their juice and break them up with your spatula. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until saucy.
  4. Crack eggs – Once the sauce is thick enough to create wells, use a spoon to make indents in teh sauce and crack an egg into each well.
  5. Add sausage and parsley, scattering them around the eggs. Cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until eggs have reached their desired doneness.
Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (4)

When is Shakshuka done? Shakshuka is done cooking when the egg whites are set and the egg yolks are still loose. You’re essentially making poached eggs in tomato sauce. Keep in mind, the eggs will continue to cook slightly in the sauce even after the heat is turned off so do not overcook the eggs.

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (5)

Common Questions

Can I Substitute the sausage?

You can omit the sausage completely and it will still work well as a vegetarian breakfast, just season to taste. If you prefer, you can substitute it with sautee diced red bell pepper, or substitute it with Italian sausage or even Chorizo sausage for a spicy shakshuka.

Can I make shakshuka in cast iron?

It’s best to use a non-reactive 12-inch pan such as a stainless steel skillet, a non-stick skillet, or an enamel-coated pan. Simmering a tomato product for a long time in a cast iron pan can make your sauce taste metallic.

Is Shakshuka spicy?

This Shakshuka is not spicy, but you can make it spicy if you prefer by adding a spicy sausage, red pepper flakes, or jalapeno (as we did with our Israeli Shakshuka)

What are the best tomatoes for shakshuka?

Get whole peeled tomatoes. Organic Muir Glen brand or Italian San Marzano tomatoes work great.

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (6)

Make-Ahead

A finished Shakshuka is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the tomato sauce ahead of time. Stir in the meat then let it cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat on the stovetop until simmering, then crack in the eggs, add parsley, and proceed with the recipe instructions.

To Serve

We love to serve this for breakfast topped with grated parmesan with a side of toasted bread. This is also a smart way to make day-old or stale bread taste great again. Use French Bread or sliced Dutch Oven Bread. If you’re going all-out for a special occasion, pair it with:

  • Hashbrowns
  • Baked Bacon
  • Breakfast Potatoes

Pro Tip: To Toast Bread, slice bread and butter on both sides. Place a large pan over medium heat and toast bread until golden brown on both sides.

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (7)

This Shakshuka feels like a special breakfast and it’s so easy to make. I hope it makes it into your regular breakfast rotation. For us, it’s right up there with Fluffy Waffles, French Toast, and Crepes. It’s been a few years since we fell in love with Shaksuka and my son keeps requesting it for breakfast.

More Egg Breakfast Recipes

  • Breakfast Burritos
  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Breakfast Tacos
  • Eggs Benedict
  • Perfect Omelette Recipe

Easy Breakfast Shakshuka Recipe

4.98 from 44 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (9)

Shakshuka is a one-skillet meal that is perfect for breakfast or dinner. It's a protein-packed, hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for company or a memorable weekend breakfast. We love serving it with toasted bread.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 5 people

For the Shakshuka:

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lb breakfast sausage
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, (1 cup chopped)
  • 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes, with their juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves, (1.5 Tbsp minced)
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 5 large eggs

To Serve (optional):

  • Parmesan grated over the top to serve
  • Sliced Bread, buttered and toasted on a skillet

Instructions

  • Place a large 12-inch non-reactive skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and breakfast sausage. Sauté 5 minutes or until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, then transfer to a plate.

  • Melt in butter, add diced onion and sauté 4-5 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and stir another 30 seconds.

  • Add tomatoes with their juice and roughly break up the tomatoes with a spatula. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp sugar to the pan, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Simmer until tomatoes are no longer watery but saucy and thick enough to create wells for the eggs.

  • Crack in 5 eggs into wells and lightly sprinkle salt on each egg.

  • Sprinkle cooked sausage around eggs then top with parsley. Cover and simmer on low heat 5-8 min (depending on desired doneness – check at 5 min) or until whites are cooked through and yolks are still soft and moist. Remove from heat and serve with freshly grated parmesan and toasted bread.

Nutrition Per Serving

347kcal Calories10g Carbs14g Protein28g Fat12g Saturated Fat3g Polyunsaturated Fat11g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat220mg Cholesterol815mg Sodium533mg Potassium2g Fiber5g Sugar991IU Vitamin A21mg Vitamin C94mg Calcium3mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Easy Breakfast Shakshuka Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

347

% Daily Value*

Fat

28

g

43

%

Saturated Fat

12

g

75

%

Trans Fat

1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

3

g

Monounsaturated Fat

11

g

Cholesterol

73

%

Sodium

815

mg

35

%

Potassium

533

mg

15

%

Carbohydrates

10

g

3

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

5

g

6

%

Protein

14

g

28

%

Vitamin A

991

IU

20

%

Vitamin C

21

mg

25

%

Calcium

94

mg

9

%

Iron

3

mg

17

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Keyword: Shakshuka, shakshuka recipe

Skill Level: Easy/Medium

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 347

Natasha Kravchuk

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (10)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Shakshuka Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

Is shakshuka Israeli or African? ›

Even though many people today associate shakshuka with Israel, it actually originated in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire: the only reason shakshuka is eaten in Israel is because North African Jewish immigrants brought it there.

What is the difference between shakshuka and menemen? ›

The spice varieties vary depending on where it's served. Shakshuka features a thick, saucy tomato base of peppers and onions with baked eggs. With menemen, the concept is a little different. Think of it as more of a soft egg scramble with lots of silky green peppers and fresh tomato.

Are Turkish eggs the same as shakshuka? ›

Turkish Menemen and Israeli shakshuka are very similar but differ in the method and seasoning. Both are breakfast dishes where eggs are cooked in a tomato sauce. In menemen the eggs are virtually scrambled into the sauce, whereas shakshuka eggs are placed on the sauce and only slightly mixed.

What is traditionally served with shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka is a classic North African and Middle Eastern breakfast dish. This recipe is simple and satisfying, featuring eggs poached in a bell pepper and tomato sauce. Serve it with pita or crusty bread for breakfast or brunch...or dinner!

Did Jews invent shakshuka? ›

Originally coming from countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Morocco it became popular in Israel from the Tunisian Jews. Some people believe the dish was invented in the Ottoman Empire and spread throughout the Middle East – often served with a spicy sausage.

What is the difference between shakshuka and ojja? ›

Some call it Ojja, some call it Shakshukah but the Ojja differs as Shakshukah contains onions contrary to Ojja, and the eggs for the ojja are beaten into the sauce where they're poached in the Shakshuka recipe. Ojja is an egg dish cooked in a hot tomato sauce.

Is huevos rancheros the same as shakshuka? ›

These two dishes are completely different. Huevos rancheros are fried eggs served with warm salsa on a fried tortilla and Shakshuka are eggs poached in a zesty tomato sauce.

What is the English translation of shakshuka? ›

shakshouka, a Maghrebi (North African) dish, popular throughout the region, featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, seasoned with peppers, onion, garlic, and various spices. The word shakshouka comes from Maghrebi Arabic dialect and means “mixed.”

Do you eat shakshuka with spoon or fork? ›

Also, it is perfectly acceptable to eat shakshuka straight out of the pan, using wedges of pita bread as your spoon. Of course, if you prefer a knife and fork, spoon the eggs with their sauce over lightly toasted bread. This recipe is especially tasty served on toasted Bloody Mary Bread.

What's the difference between eggs in purgatory and shakshuka? ›

The main difference between shakshuka and eggs in purgatory is the spices and herbs. Skakshuka features Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin and sweet paprika. Eggs in purgatory does not include these spices and uses Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil.

What is the difference between shakshuka and strapatsada? ›

Whilst strapatsada uses subtle flavours such as green peppers, pepper, basil or parsley and scrambles the eggs with feta cheese, shakshuka gains its distinctive flavour from spices such as (at least) cumin and turmeric, and requires that you poach the eggs towards the end of the cooking process.

What is a fun fact about shakshuka? ›

Many think of this dish an Israeli breakfast food because it is quite popular in places like Tel Aviv, but these eggs in tomato sauce are something you'll find in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. Fun fact, the origins of the word shakshuka comes from the Arabic for "all mixed up" or "shaken."

What side dish goes well with shakshuka? ›

My favorite sides are perfectly toasted challah bread, avocados seasoned with lime juice, Israeli white cheese, and a simple Israeli salad. Most restaurants serve shakshuka with tahini on the side as well.

What part of Africa is shakshuka from? ›

It is believed to have a Tunisian origin. Shakshuka means "a mixture" or “shaken” in Tunisian dialect. Shakshuka is a staple of Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, and Moroccan cuisines traditionally served up in a cast iron pan with bread to mop up the sauce (most important).

What time of day is shakshuka eaten? ›

Popular in Israel, shakshouka is a savory egg entree made with tomatoes, peppers and onions. Though it's most commonly served as a main dish for breakfast, it's also eaten for lunch and dinner.

Where is shakshuka originally from? ›

Shakshuka is a simple dish made of gently poached eggs in a delicious chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this breakfast recipe is popular in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is so satisfying, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What is shakshuka in Israel culture? ›

The"original shakshuka" was thought to have been made with vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, goat meat and fresh garlic. In Israel today it is traditionally served for brunch, with soft boiled, poached like eggs in a tomato based slightly spicy sauce.

What culture eats shakshuka? ›

In Jewish culture, a large batch of tomato stew is made for the Sabbath dinner and the leftovers used the following morning to make a breakfast shakshouka with eggs.

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