Best scotch egg recipe | Jamie Oliver picnic recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to stop Scotch eggs splitting when cooking? ›

Place the egg in the middle and wrap the egg with the meat. Pinch the edges together and smooth the ball so that there are no gaps or bumps. (If the covering isn't even, the Scotch egg will split during cooking.)

A Scotch egg is a boiled egg that has been wrapped in sausage, breaded, and deep-fried or baked. Despite its name, this likely has English (not Scottish) origins. Scotch eggs are commonly found at picnics in the U.K. and packaged Scotch eggs are widely available in British supermarkets, corner shops, and gas stations.

We've made the popular scotch egg recipe much healthier than the classic version by baking them, instead of deep-frying in oil. We've made the popular scotch egg recipe much healthier than the classic version by baking them, instead of deep-frying in oil.

Adding vinegar to the water helps the proteins in the egg white coagulate faster which further plugs any cracks in the egg.

Cooked Scotch Eggs will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you are preparing Scotch Eggs in advance and want to store them until you're ready to cook, you can store Uncooked Scotch Eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze Scotch eggs for around three months.

“Eggs also offer protein and fat but negligible carbohydrates and fibre. The addition of sausage meat and breadcrumbs adds more protein but minimal fibre and carbs.” Surprisingly, in terms of daily intakes, you're mostly fine with a two scotch egg meal.

You may be surprised to discover that London department store Fortnum & Mason claim to have invented the Scotch Egg in 1738. There are several theories on the origin of this delicacy, but none of them point to Scotland. So although it is much enjoyed throughout Scotland, the Scotch Egg is not actually Scottish.

Scotch eggs can be served cold or hot. The Scotch egg was created in London, England, not Scotland. It was initially created as an on-the-go meal as people from London would travel to their countryside homes. The simple recipe has since been revived and is now a staple at pubs and farmers' markets.

Depending on the size of your pan, lower as many eggs as you can into the oil, and cook for 8-10 mins until golden and crispy. Drain on kitchen paper, leave to cool a little, then serve halved with some piccalilli.

Place the eggs in a pan with cold water and bring to the boil then boil for a further 4 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pan and plunge immediately in ice water – this stops the eggs from continuing to cook and is the essential part of the recipe to get runny yolks in the scotch eggs!

What is another name for a Scotch egg? ›

In the Netherlands and Belgium, Scotch eggs may also be called vogelnestje ("little bird's nest"), because they contain an egg. One 1880s Scottish recipe also calls them birds' nests.

When you're ready to eat the scotch eggs, you can reheat them in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, although this method may result in a softer texture.

Adding a small amount of vinegar or salt to the water may help strengthen the egg whites and reduce the chances of cracking. Use about a 2 teaspoon of vinegar or a half teaspoon of salt per two cups of water. Gently pierce the rounded end of the egg with a pin or a needle before boiling.

Pro Tips: Start with room-temperature eggs for the best results. Room temperature eggs are easier to separate, and they will be less likely to curdle when you combine the hot liquid with the yolks. Whisking the egg yolks together before adding the liquid ensures even cooking and smooth texture.

If the oil starts to spit it's because it's too hot, so turn the heat right down. Cook until the tops of the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. When they're ready, remove the pan from the heat and take the eggs out using a spatula. Place on a plate and dab them with some paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

Eggs can break during boiling because of numerous reasons. The most common reason is that they were boiled at an intensity so high that they collided with each other or the pan, resulting in cracks. However, this is rarely seen in eggs from organically-fed chicken because they produce hard shelled eggs.