Ever wondered how to turn simple boiled eggs into crispy, flavor-packed bites that steal the show?
Meet Egg 65—the twist on the classic Chicken 65 that’s perfect as a starter, snack, or even a side with fried rice or noodles.
If you’ve been craving that addictive crunch and spicy tang without the meat, you’re in for a treat.
A Quick Dive into the “65” Phenomenon
The original Chicken 65 hails from Chennai’s famous Buhari Hotel in 1965, and it’s been a street-food superstar ever since.
The name “65” might refer to the year it was introduced or simply the spice level—but the real magic is its double-fry technique and bold spice mix. With Egg 65, we’re capturing that same sizzle and heat, swapping chicken for egg whites to keep things light and protein-packed.
Why You’ll Love This Egg Starter
- Crispy exterior, tender interior: The gram-flour batter locks in moisture.
- Layered spices: Ginger, garlic, chilies, and a warming dust of turmeric, pepper, and garam masala.
- Super versatile: Serves as a snack, starter, or pairs deliciously with fried rice and noodles.
- Protein-rich: All the benefits of eggs, with none of the heaviness.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Egg Whites: Firm enough to hold shape, neutral canvas for spices.
- Ginger & Garlic: Fresh aromatics that cut through the batter’s richness.
- Green Chilies & Chili Powder: Layered heat—fresh and powdered—for true “65” kick.
- Turmeric & Cumin Powder: Adds earthiness and that Instagram-worthy golden hue.
- Pepper & Garam Masala: Final warmth and complexity.
- Gram Flour (Besan): Creates a light, crispy coating without deep tens of calories.
- Tomato Ketchup: Balances the heat with a touch of sweet-tang in the final toss.
- Curry Leaves & Coriander Leaves: South-Indian flair and fresh herbal finish.
- Onion: Sautéed into the sauce for subtle sweetness and texture.
- Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point to get that perfect double-fry crunch.
Here’s How It All Comes Together
First, boil and peel your eggs, then carefully remove the yolks. Chop the whites into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with minced ginger, garlic, green chilies, chopped onion, curry leaves, coriander, and your spice blend—salt, chili powder, turmeric, pepper, cumin, and garam masala. Stir in enough gram flour and water to form a slightly thick batter that clings to each piece.
Heat oil in a kadai (or deep pan). Drop spoonfuls of the egg mixture and fry until golden and crisp—you’re looking for that signature crunch on the outside. Transfer to a plate and let them rest.
In a separate wide pan, heat a little oil. Sauté sliced onion, garlic, green chilies, and curry leaves until the onion turns translucent. Sprinkle in extra chili powder, then add your fried eggs back into the pan. Drizzle in tomato ketchup, toss gently to coat every nugget, and cook just long enough for the sauce to glaze the eggs.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—work in batches so the oil temperature stays hot and every piece crisps up perfectly.
What Goes Along
These Egg 65 bites shine solo but also pair beautifully with:
- Vegetable Fried Rice or Hakka Noodles—their bold flavor cuts through the noodles.
- Mint-Coriander Chutney or Spicy Mayo Dip—adds a cooling or creamy counterpoint.
- Lemon Wedges—a quick squeeze brightens the spice.
How to Serve
Serve these golden morsels piping hot on a platter, garnished with fresh coriander and curry leaves. Provide toothpicks for easy snacking and small bowls of your favorite dips.
Packing & Meal-Prep Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prep and batter the egg whites up to 4 hours in advance; keep chilled.
- Reheating: Re-crisp in an air fryer or oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 3–4 minutes.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack the fried eggs and sauce separately; combine just before eating to preserve crunch.
Party & Bulk Preparation
- Scale Up: Double or triple the batter, fry in batches, and keep warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven (100 °C/200 °F).
- Live Station Idea: Set up a “fry-and-toss” station with pre-battered eggs, sauces, and garnishes—guests can customize heat level and dips!
Egg 65
Description
Egg 65 features spiced egg-white fritters double-fried for extra crunch, then tossed in a tangy-garlic-onion sauce with tomato ketchup, curry leaves, and coriander. Perfect as a protein-packed snack, starter, or side with fried rice and noodles—ready in under an hour for your next gathering.
Ingredients
To make fried egg
To make egg 65
Instructions
Prep Work
-
Boil and peel eggs
Boil the eggs, cool them down, peel and separate the yolks.
-
Chop egg whites
Chop the boiled egg whites into small pieces. -
Prepare aromatics
Finely chop the onion, green chillies, ginger, garlic, curry leaves and coriander leaves.
Method
-
Mix egg batter
In a bowl, combine chopped egg whites, ginger, garlic, green chillies, onion, curry leaves, coriander, and spices. Mix everything well.
-
Add besan and water
Add besan and a little water to the bowl and mix until it forms a slightly thick batter. -
Fry the egg mixture
Heat oil and drop the mixture in small fritter shapes. Fry until golden brown and set aside. -
Start tempering
In a wide pan, heat oil and add onion, garlic, green chillies, curry leaves. Saute until onion turns transparent. -
Add spice
Sprinkle chilli powder over the sautéed mixture and mix well on medium flame. -
Toss the fritters
Add in the fried egg fritters, toss well. -
Add ketchup
Pour tomato ketchup over the mixture, mix and cook for a minute until everything is well coated. -
Serve hot
Serve your Egg 65 hot as a snack or a starter.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 2.8g14%
- Cholesterol 140mg47%
- Sodium 390mg17%
- Potassium 210mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin A 340 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 61 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Phosphorus 130 mg
- Magnesium 35 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.