Save to Pinterest The first time I brought these to a potluck, my friend Sarah literally stood guard by the plate because they disappeared so fast. Theres something about that crackle of chili crisp against the silky egg filling that makes people reach for seconds before theyve even finished their first bite. I stumbled on this combination during a particularly uninspired week when I was craving something with serious punch but didnt want to spend hours at the stove.
Last summer, I made these for my dads birthday and watched my normally spice-averse aunt tentatively try one, then immediately ask for the recipe. The way the sesame seeds toast slightly when they hit that warm chili oil creates this incredible nutty undertone that balances everything perfectly. Ive served these alongside everything from fancy charcuterie boards to takeout pizza, and they somehow elevate every single meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs: Room temperature eggs peel more cleanly after boiling, saving you from that frustrating patchy peel situation
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Kewpie makes everything taste more luxurious but regular mayo works perfectly fine
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds just enough sharpness to cut through the rich yolks
- Salt and black pepper: Your foundation for flavor, dont be shy here
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp or chili garlic oil: This is the star that transforms ordinary deviled eggs into something people will talk about
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds: They add this wonderful nutty crunch that complements the heat beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari: A splash of umami that deepens the overall flavor profile
- Fresh cilantro or scallions: That pop of fresh green makes everything look and taste brighter
Instructions
- Get Those Eggs Perfect:
- Place your eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring everything to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let them sit for exactly 12 minutes. This method has never failed me for perfectly set yolks without that dreaded gray ring.
- The Ice Bath Trick:
- Transfer those hot eggs directly into a bowl filled with ice water and let them cool completely for about 5 minutes. The temperature shock makes peeling so much easier and stops the cooking process instantly.
- Prep Your Canvas:
- Gently crack and peel each egg, then slice them in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Pop those yolks into a mixing bowl and arrange your pristine whites on a serving platter, taking a second to wipe any stray yolk crumbs off the plate so everything looks immaculate.
- Create the Silky Filling:
- Mash those yolks with the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until you have a mixture thats completely smooth and lump-free. If you want a little extra brightness, nows the time to stir in that sriracha or splash of rice vinegar.
- Fill Like a Pro:
- Scoop that gorgeous yolk mixture into a piping bag or use a small spoon to fill each egg white half generously. Dont worry about making it look restaurant-perfect on the first try; you can always smooth the tops with the back of your spoon.
- Mix the Magic Topping:
- In a tiny bowl, stir together your chili crisp, sesame seeds, and soy sauce until combined. The mixture should be spoonable but still have plenty of those crispy crunchy bits that make this recipe special.
- The Grand Finish:
- Drizzle that spicy topping over each filled egg half, letting it cascade down the sides like a beautiful savory sauce. Scatter fresh cilantro or scallions over everything and serve immediately while that oil is still glistening.
Save to Pinterest These deviled eggs have become my go-to for when I need to show up with something impressive but dont want to stress. There is something so satisfying about watching someones eyes light up when they bite into that first spicy, crunchy, creamy mouthful.
Making Them Your Own
Ive started playing around with different chili crisps and each one brings something completely unique to the table. Some are more garlicky, others pack more heat, and a few have these amazing crunchy bits that take the texture next level. Dont be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect match.
The Art of Advance Prep
The secret to stress-free entertaining is doing all your prep work ahead while keeping everything separate. I fill the eggs and make the topping separately, storing them in the fridge until about 15 minutes before guests arrive. The flavors actually meld together beautifully when everything has time to chill.
Perfect Presentation Every Time
A little trick I learned from catering: wipe your knife between every few egg halves to keep those cuts pristine. You can also use a small offset spatula to smooth the tops of your filling if you want that professional look.
- Buy a few extra eggs in case one cracks during boiling or peels poorly
- Keep your serving platter in the fridge so the eggs stay cold while you finish assembling
- Have a small spoon just for the topping so you dont accidentally cross-contaminate the filling
Save to Pinterest These deviled eggs have turned into the one dish I am asked to bring to literally every gathering now, and honestly, I dont mind one bit.
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy are these deviled eggs?
The heat level is customizable with the amount of sriracha in the filling and chili crisp on top. The base version offers mild to medium spice that builds gradually, while adding extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce will intensify the fire.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling and cook the eggs up to 24 hours in advance. Store the yolk mixture in a piping bag or sealed container, and keep the egg whites covered with damp paper towels. Assemble and add the chili garlic topping just before serving for optimal texture.
- → What's the difference between chili crisp and chili garlic oil?
Chili crisp contains crunchy bits of fried garlic, onions, and sometimes soybeans suspended in oil, providing both heat and texture. Chili garlic oil is typically smoother with just garlic and peppers. Both work beautifully here—choose based on your preference for extra crunch.
- → How do I get perfectly hard-boiled eggs?
Start with cold water covering the eggs, bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 10-12 minutes before transferring to an ice bath. This method prevents gray yolks and makes peeling effortless. Using eggs that are 7-10 days old also helps with easy peeling.
- → What can I substitute for the toppings?
If you don't have chili crisp, use crushed red pepper flakes mixed with garlic-infused oil and a pinch of sugar. For sesame-free, swap toasted sesame seeds with everything bagel seasoning or crushed fried wonton strips for that essential crunch factor.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store assembled deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the chili garlic topping will soften over time. For best results, store filling and whites separately, then assemble fresh with crispy topping when ready to serve.