Shortcut Chilaquiles Recipe (2024)

By Alison Roman

Shortcut Chilaquiles Recipe (1)

Total Time
30 minutes
Rating
4(481)
Notes
Read community notes

Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish made with fried tortillas simmered in red or green salsa, has become a popular breakfast item because it begs to be topped with a couple of fried eggs. This cheater's version is made with a fresh tomato (or tomatillo) salsa that doesn't require a blender, and tortilla chips or broken tostadas instead of fried tortillas. The perfect texture here is softened but not soggy; you want to make sure the chips are tossed evenly with the sauce, but not so much that they get lost in it. Fried eggs are the perfect complement here, as the crisp-edged white provides texture and the yolk a rich sauciness. But it would be just as delicious served underneath or alongside a pile of soft scrambled eggs.

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have

    10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers.

    Learn more.

    Subscribe

  • Print Options

    Include recipe photo

Advertisem*nt

Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 1small red or yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
  • 2tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus more if desired
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • pounds tomatoes, cored and sliced into 1-inch wedges
  • 1small Serrano or jalapeño chile, seeds removed if you like, finely chopped (optional)
  • 6ounces tortilla chips or tostadas, broken up into chip-size pieces
  • 4large eggs
  • 4ounces queso fresco, crumbled
  • 1cup cilantro, tender leaves and stems
  • ½cup crema (or sour cream, thinned with a bit of water) (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

599 calories; 41 grams fat; 11 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 19 grams monounsaturated fat; 8 grams polyunsaturated fat; 42 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 17 grams protein; 890 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Shortcut Chilaquiles Recipe (2)

Preparation

Make the recipe with us

  1. Step

    1

    Place half the onions in a small bowl and cover with lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, toss and set aside.

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet (12-inch works well) over medium-high heat. Add remaining onions and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until they are tender and starting to brown, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and half of chile (if using) and season with salt and pepper.

  3. Step

    3

    Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have started to burst and simmer in their own juices, 5 to 8 minutes. Add 1 cup of water and continue to simmer until tomatoes are totally softened and melted down, another 5 to 8 minutes; larger bits of the skin are O.K., but they should feel mostly broken down into a nice, thick sauce.

  4. Step

    4

    Add chips and toss to coat evenly. Simmer a minute or two and remove the pan from the heat while you fry the eggs.

  5. Step

    5

    Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggs and season with salt and pepper. Cook, undisturbed, until the whites of the egg are fried and lightly crisped but the yolks are still bright orange and runny, about 2 minutes.

  6. Step

    6

    Divide chips among plates and top with fried egg, queso fresco, cilantro, crema, remaining green chile, reserved red onions and a squeeze of lime if you like.

Ratings

4

out of 5

481

user ratings

Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Note on this recipe and see it here.

Cooking Notes

Susanna

Looks fabulous. May I recommend shortcutting this even more (and perhaps improving) by using a can of Hatch green enchilada sauce instead of making your own? Exceptional pantry item. And... avocado slices on the side. A go-to desperation dinner in our house!

Mary

Also good with the addition of black beans.

Robert Martino

You may use 28 oz.can of crushed tomatoes (Italian style).Makes it simpler!

Jeff E

This is only made better with a cup or so of shredded chicken added at the beginning of step 4.

Patricia

Not fast, not Mexican. The idea of enchilada sauce makes me weep. How about blending chipotle with canned roasted tomatoes? You would approach something resembling the authentic flavor.

Michael

Even shorter cut - some thick commercial tortilla chips, diced roast green chilies, pre-made purchased fresh tomato salsa. Put it all in the skillet, add scrambled eggs and shredded cheese and top with cilantro, sliced avocado etc. (On your own for proportions.) Good for your choice of B, L or D and anything in between.

Paul P.

I've done this, albeit with one change: poach the eggs. Can't beat that yolk.

alaskancook

I see a new Passover recipe coming up.... matzo brei chilaquiles!

Jackie of Missouri

I've made my chilaquiles with leftover restaurant corn tortillas soaked for a few minutes in beaten eggs and salsa, then cooked omelette-style with shredded cheese, leftover chicken or pork roast, sour cream and green onions on top. Turns out pretty good, quick and easy.

David

These are not Chilaquiles.

Elizabeth

Since I only had a couple of tomatoes, i melted in some sliced bell peppers (green and yellow). I followed the rest of the recipe as written. The result was color- and flavor-full and it was a hit. Fast and easy.

Mike S

I’m not a chilaquiles expert but I thought this was fantastic! Have made twice and loved it both times.

GPS

My go-to shortcut: Heat my (or your) favorite commercial or leftover home-made salsa in a frying pan to which you might have first added a bit of shortening and, if it's thick, some water. Add tortilla chips and let them soak up a bit of the salsa. Add eggs, either to poach (add a bit of water and cover the pan) or to scramble for chilaquiles con huevo. If you're not in a hurry, of course, there's no need for shortcuts, and you can do this dish up with a nicer presentation.

GPS

My go-to shortcut: Heat my (or your) favorite commercial or leftover home-made salsa in a frying pan to which you might have first added a bit of shortening and, if it's thick, some water. Add tortilla chips and let them soak up a bit of the salsa. Add eggs, either to poach (add a bit of water and cover the pan) or to scramble for chilaquiles con huevo. If you're not in a hurry, of course, there's no need for shortcuts, and you can do this dish up with a nicer presentation.

Anna

I make this at least once every two months. And it’s a showstopper for company. But note a flaw in the recipe: only half of oil (2tbps) is to be used with onions in the first step.

Camille

Used a 14oz can of diced tomatoes - great substitution. Added avocado. Great brunch dish!

betts

Love this recipe and it is adaptable to what’s on hand. Used cooked lentils instead of the beans and a red pepper instead of kale tonight. I take the time to brown the skin side but finish the thighs in the oven instead of the stovetop

Nicholas

I loved this. I’m sure chicken or black beans would be nice but it was perfect as is. I need more kick so next time I’ll add more jalepenos. I also cheated when my tomatos refused to melt as ordered and gave the salsa a couple of pulses in the blender.

Carly

Used a can of diced tomatoes rather than fresh, but otherwise made exactly to recipe. My boyfriend NEVER raves over the fancy food I make, but loved this simple and flavorful dish. Definitely will make it again.

Mike S

I’m not a chilaquiles expert but I thought this was fantastic! Have made twice and loved it both times.

Barbara Wheeler

This recipe taught me that really fresh tomato skins really do cook down, or away--I've applied the lesson to other summer recipes. I did undo one of the short cuts, because it's easy and kind of fun to fry quartered corn tortillas and drain them on paper towels--they take only a few seconds per side--so I didn't use corn chips, or rather, made my own. A terrific dish, in any case.

Lisa

Great dish! Easy, tasty and no mess to clean up. Made it as a break from all the thanksgiving leftovers. Delish!

Silbermuti

Add black beans, use canned tomatoes

LizzieMac

I made a quick version of these today using fresh, butter (flour) tortillas that my son sent me from Central Market in Dallas, TX. They are outstanding tortillas. Cut into strips and fried in a scant bit of veggie oil over med-high heat. Drain. Light salt. Quick chili of onions, Hatch chilis, garlic, spicy tomato salsa (Mexican variety from can), and cooked chorizo. Topped with cheese. Fried egg. Sour cream and salsas on the side. Delicious! (Easy adaptable recipe - great for a holiday morning.)

Judy

This was absolutely amazing. I substituted quickly fried leftover corn tortillas, and all I had was baby pear tomatoes, but they worked perfectly. Also didn’t have the Mexican cheeses but cheddar and feta worked great. Loved the quickly pickled onions in lime juice. Added a great fresh touch. I will make it again.

Elizabeth

Since I only had a couple of tomatoes, i melted in some sliced bell peppers (green and yellow). I followed the rest of the recipe as written. The result was color- and flavor-full and it was a hit. Fast and easy.

Liz

I wasn't 100% sure how cooking down the tomatoes would work (and even had enchilada sauce in the pantry just in case) but I have to say this was fabulous. Followed recipe fairly closely, except only had 1 lb of tomatoes so ended up supplementing with half a can of tomato sauce and used chicken broth instead of water. Really, really good (and I'm picky about my chilaquiles!) Fried egg is a must along with avocado and sour cream. Probably could do a double batch next time for my crew.

Anne

Wow - these were excellent! I added leftover pickled asparagus spears - a nice touch, and I used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Will definitely make again. Absolutely delicious!

Private notes are only visible to you.

Shortcut Chilaquiles Recipe (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 5637

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.