If you’re craving real Mediterranean flavor, this sizzling spiced shakshuka recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.
Shakshuka is a one-pan dish of eggs poached directly in a richly spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. A popular Mediterranean breakfast or brunch, best served with crusty bread for dipping.
Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 11 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Mediterranean dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- Poaching the eggs directly in the sauce means they pick up flavor instead of just sitting on top.
- A richly spiced tomato and bell pepper base gives real depth without needing any meat.
- One pan, minimal technique — an easy beginner dish, ready in about 35 minutes.
- Makes 4 servings, a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
✅ Quick Tip: Cover the pan while the eggs cook so the whites set evenly without needing to flip or disturb the eggs. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil — too much heat breaks down delicate ingredients and can make sauces separate.
Serving Suggestions: Serve straight from the pan with warm pita, crusty bread, or challah for scooping up the sauce and eggs.
Sizzling Spiced Shakshuka
Ingredients:
Instructions
-
Before you start, gather and prep all 11 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
-
Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Use a spoon to make small wells in the sauce.
-
Crack an egg into each well.
-
Cover the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until the egg whites are set but yolks are still soft.
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet with crusty bread.
-
Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Sizzling Spiced Shakshuka.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 230kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 245mg82%
- Sodium 520mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cover the pan while the eggs cook so the whites set evenly without needing to flip or disturb the eggs. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil - too much heat breaks down delicate ingredients and can make sauces separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?
You can make the tomato sauce ahead and refrigerate it, then reheat and poach the eggs fresh just before serving.
Can I add cheese to shakshuka?
Yes, crumbled feta is a popular addition, sprinkled on right before or after cooking the eggs.
How do I know when the eggs are done?
The whites should be fully set and opaque while the yolks remain slightly jiggly for the classic soft-set texture.
