Ma, anong ulam?: 10 Eggcellent dishes to make with eggs

EGG is a staple in every Filipino household. When you are not thrilled with the ulam that your mom or dad cooks, just open the refrigerator, grab an egg, fry it up, and put it on top of your steaming cup of rice. With its versatility, eggs make for a quick, affordable, and delicious meal any time of day!

Eggs are packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like B12 and choline, making them a nutritious choice for a quick meal. They’re perfect for busy days, tight budgets, and even petsa de peligro (the days before payday). 

RepublicAsia listed some quick, tasty eggcellent recipes that you can make in around 15 minutes or less, perfect for days when you’re craving something different.

1. Classic Sunny-Side Up Egg

Perfect for: When you’re in a hurry and just need something simple but satisfying.

Recipe: 

• Heat a bit of oil in a pan on high heat. Crack an egg into the pan and let it cook undisturbed until the edges are crispy but the yolk remains runny. Carefully remove and place on top of a steaming bowl of rice.

Tip: For extra flavor, season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a drizzle of soy sauce for that savory flavor.

2. Tortang Kamatis (Scrambled Egg with Tomato)

Perfect for: Days when you want something light, healthy, and budget-friendly.

Recipe:

• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1–2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a pan, heat a small amount of oil. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until soft and slightly caramelized, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Crack the eggs into the pan, scramble them with the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over rice.

Tip: For extra flavor, add a few drops of fish sauce (patis) or a sprinkle of green onions.

3. Egg Adobo

Perfect for: When you’re craving adobo but it’s petsa de peligro – swap out meat with eggs to still enjoy those classic adobo flavors.

Recipe:

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a pan, heat a bit of oil. Sauté the garlic until golden, then add soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaf, and a pinch of pepper.
2. Gently add the eggs and simmer for 5–7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the eggs as they cook. Serve with rice.

Tip: Use leftover adobo sauce if you have any for extra flavor!

4. Soy-Marinated Egg

Perfect for: When you have some time to prep ahead – this is great for days when you don’t like the ulam your parents prepared, as you can just pull these from the fridge!

Recipe:

• 2–4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 stalk of green onions, chopped

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey or sugar, garlic, and green onions.
2. Add the eggs, ensuring they’re covered in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least an hour or, for best results, overnight.

Serving Idea: Slice and serve over rice with the marinade drizzled on top for an extra kick of flavor!

5. Filipino Egg Curry

Perfect for: When you’re craving something creamy, warm, and a bit more exotic.

Recipe:

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a pan, sauté the garlic and onions until soft. Add curry powder and stir.
2. Pour in the coconut milk, add salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Add the eggs and let them absorb the flavors for about 5 minutes. Serve with rice.

Tip: Add diced potatoes or bell peppers for extra heartiness.

6. Egg Miswa Soup

Perfect for: Rainy days when you want something warm and comforting.

Recipe:

• 1 egg
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 small bundle of miswa noodles
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a pot, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add garlic and miswa noodles, cooking until the noodles are soft.
2. Crack an egg into the pot and gently stir to create ribbons of egg throughout the soup. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or fried garlic for extra flavor.

7. Egg Afritada

Perfect for: When you want a hearty, saucy dish that’s easy on the budget.

Recipe:

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 1 small potato, diced
• 1/2 small carrot, diced
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced

1. Sauté garlic and onions in a bit of oil. Add the potatoes and carrots, cooking until tender.
2. Pour in the tomato sauce and bell pepper, then let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the eggs and cook until flavors meld. Serve with rice.

Tip: Add green peas or raisins for extra texture and sweetness.

8. Sipo Egg (Egg and Vegetable Medley)

Perfect for: Special occasions or when you want a creamy, comforting ulam.

Recipe:

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
• 1/4 cup shrimp (optional)
• 1/4 cup cream or evaporated milk

1. In a pan, sauté the shrimp (if using) and vegetables until tender.
2. Pour in the cream or evaporated milk, add the eggs, and cook for a few minutes until everything is well-coated. Serve hot with rice.

Tip: Add a pinch of salt and pepper or a small knob of butter for richness.

9. French Omelette

Perfect for: When you want a little sophistication with minimal ingredients.

Recipe:

• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for cooking

1. In a bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add butter.
2. Pour in the eggs and cook, swirling the pan to keep the eggs from sticking, until they are just set. Fold and serve.

Serving Idea: Pair with garlic rice or add a sprinkle of cheese or chives for a richer flavor.

10. Silog (Sinangag at Itlog)

Perfect for: A quick, filling breakfast when you’ve got leftover rice.

Recipe:

• 1 egg, cooked sunny-side up or scrambled
• 1 cup day-old rice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt to taste

1. In a pan, sauté garlic until golden. Add the rice, season with salt, and stir until heated through.
2. Serve the rice with the egg on top or on the side.

Serving Idea: Add longganisa, tapa, or tocino to make it a classic Filipino “silog” breakfast!

Each of these quick and easy recipes is perfect for any time of day, whether you need a filling breakfast, a simple lunch, or a satisfying dinner. With these versatile and flavorful dishes, eggs can be the hero of any meal! 

With reports from Mayen Medroso