Easy Huevos Rancheros

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Huevos Rancheros is a popular Mexican dish of fried or poached eggs served on a tortilla with a spicy tomato sauce. Quick and easy to make, and incredibly delicious!

Huevos rancheros

When you live in Southern California, especially Los Angeles, Mexican food is a big deal. We live and breathe it! Huevos rancheros is one of those dishes that can be thrown together with just a few ingredients. (This post was originally published on May 4th, 2012 and has been updated. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)

Huevos Rancheros horizontal

The last time you probably had Huevos Rancheros was on that trip to Baja during college. Too many margaritas the night before? Not that I was spying on you or anything.

mango chile margarita
Mango-Chile Margarita.

What are huevos rancheros?

They are pretty easy to make. In Mexico, eggs are poached soft in the salsa. For this quick and easy version, just top a fried or poached egg with your favorite salsa, homemade or otherwise and cheese. Then add some chopped  green onions, cilantro and sliced avocado or guacamole. Make them as spicy as you want, serve with hot sauce on the side…and as they say, “Bob’s your uncle!” I guess in this case it would be, “Roberto es su tio’!”

What ingredients do you need for Huevos Rancheros?

  • Eggs; 2 per person
  • Homemade or your favorite store-bought salsa.
  • Cheese. Cotija is a traditional Mexican cheese with a crumbly texture similar to feta. You can also use pepper jack, sharp or mild cheddar.
  • Tortillas. Corn are traditional.
huevos ingredients

How do you make Huevos Rancheros?

Prepare the sauce first and keep it warm while you’re frying the eggs. I like to use a griddle to fry my tortillas. Keep them warm by wrapping them in foil or in a tortilla warmer.

salsa ingredients

Fry 2 eggs per person, just until yolks are barely set. Then top with cheese and cover frying pan, cooking eggs just until cheese has melted. We like runny yolks, but if you don’t, cook them as desired.

toppings for huevos

Top each egg with salsa, dividing among the 4 eggs. Top with sliced jalapenos, cilantro, green onions or avocado. A note about the salsa: start with a salsa you like. If it’s not spicy enough, add chile powder, a pinch of cumin or a bit of hot sauce. Since everyone’s idea of “spicy”, I’ll leave that to you to choose a salsa to your liking.

Huevos on plate

What can you serve with Huevos Rancheros?

If you want you can serve them with a side of refried or black beans, guacamole or salsa fresca. For a more substantial lunch or dinner cilantro rice is a delicious option. This Hatch Chile Rellenos is another breakfast option if you like spicy food. Cooking for a crowd? Try these Huevos Rancheros Egg Cups and bake up to 2 dozen eggs at a time!

Huevos Rancheros is a popular Mexican dish of fried or poached eggs served on a tortilla with a spicy tomato sauce. Here's the recipe to make them at home! | What a Girl Eats
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a popular Mexican dish of fried or poached eggs served on a tortilla with a spicy tomato sauce. Here's the recipe to make them at home! | What a Girl Eats

Huevos Rancheros

Cynthia
Huevos Rancheros are an easy breakfast idea
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 2 people
Calories 636 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large Eggs 2 per person
  • 2/3 cup salsa
  • 1 tomato diced
  • 3/4 cup Sharp cheddar shredded
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil (for frying the tortillas and eggs)
  • 4 corn tortillas 2 per person
  • 1 Tablespoon cilantro chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno sliced (optional)
  • 1 green onion sliced

Instructions
 

  • Heat salsa, diced tomato and cilantro in a saucepan until hot. Keep warm while frying the tortillas and eggs.
  • Fry tortillas on a griddle or in a frying pan in a small amount of oil until lightly golden brown (about 20 seconds each side). Keep warm.
  • In a shallow frying pan, heat 2 Tablespoons oil until shimmering. Crack eggs into pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook just until bottoms set, about 2 minutes.
  • Divide the grated cheese between the 4 eggs and cover frying pan allowing the eggs to continue cooking, about 2 more minutes for soft yolks.
  • Transfer each egg onto the warm tortillas and top each egg with warm salsa.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos and green onions if desired.

Notes

Recipe is for 2 eggs per person.
Use about 1/3 cup salsa per serving.
Recipe can easily be doubled.
Jarred or fresh salsa can be used, although the quality of the recipe will depend on the quality of the ingredients.
Any cheese can be used. Suggested cheeses are: cotija, a traditional Mexican cheese, Monterey Jack or pepper jack, sharp or mild cheddar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 636kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 27gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 372mgSodium: 1027mgPotassium: 688mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1978IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 435mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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11 Comments

  1. Dear Cynthia, what a treat to wake up to in the morning. These look delicious..this is how I would like my eggs from now on. xo, Catherine

  2. 5 stars
    I had a few tortillas and salsa left over from making burritos so this recipe was perfect! What a great idea—they were delicious!

  3. 5 stars
    Great recipe that is quick and easy to follow directions. It is perfect for a great summer meal for one!

  4. 5 stars
    Love everything about this recipe, Cynthia. As we don’t have many Mexican restaurants in France (and good ones at that, either), it’s great to have your recipes at hand!

5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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