Poached Huevos Rancheros Recipe

This Mexican Huevos Rancheros Recipe is made by poaching eggs in a homemade salsa and topping on a fried tortilla as well as beans.

Huevos Rancheros, or "Rancher's Eggs," is a great traditional Mexican breakfast recipe. Huevos Rancheros is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences. It can be made mild or spicy, depending on the desired level of heat, and can be adjusted to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, such as using vegan or gluten-free ingredients.

Huevos Rancheros is a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish that is loved by many for its bold flavors and hearty nature. It's a popular dish in Mexican cuisine and has become a beloved brunch option in many parts of the world.

My parents live across from this café in Mexico City that makes the most delicious Huevos rancheros ever – I go every time I visit. I wanted to recreate them and use the same techniques they used. Frying tortillas will be tasty, but buying store bought tostadas is just as good. You can make the eggs to your liking. Some people prefer sunny-side up eggs or scrambled eggs but I love poaching the eggs in a homemade sauce.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Chilaquiles Divorciados or my Breakfast Nopales.

Jump to:

• What are Huevos Rancheros?
• Huevos Rancheros Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Huevos Rancheros
• Substitutions
• Huevos Rancheros Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Huevos Rancheros
• Huevos Rancheros Recipe Top tips
• Huevos Rancheros Recipe
• Food safety

What are Huevos Rancheros?

Huevos Rancheros is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that typically consists of fried eggs or poached eggs served on top of corn tortillas, smothered with a savory tomato-based sauce, and often accompanied by refried beans, cheese, and other toppings. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular in many regions of Mexico, as well as in other countries with a Mexican culinary influence.

The name "Huevos Rancheros" translates to "rancher's eggs" in English, which reflects the dish's humble origins as a simple and filling breakfast for farmers and ranchers. It is often considered a comfort food and is known for its bold and zesty flavors.

Huevos Rancheros is typically made by frying or poaching eggs in a homemade salsa, then serving them on top of lightly fried or toasted corn tortillas. The tortillas are then covered with a tomato-based sauce made with ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, and often simmered to develop rich flavors. The dish is usually garnished with beans, cheese, and other toppings such as avocados, cilantro, or jalapenos, and can be served with rice or Mexican-style rice, known as "arroz a la Mexicana."

Huevos Rancheros Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Tostadas (or lightly fried corn tortillas)
• Olive oil
• Red onion
• Tomatoes
• Serrano pepper
• Eggs
• Cilantro
• Chicken bouillon
• Refried beans
• Avocado

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Huevos Rancheros

Substitutions

Tostadas: Make your life easier by buying tostadas and making the huevos rancheros on them. You can use corn tortillas and fry them. Huevos Rancheros are traditionally made with fried corn tortillas. 

Beans: I used refried pinto beans but you can use refried black beans.

Red onion: Traditionally, Mexicans use red onion for most of their recipes. You can use yellow or white onion as well.

Avocado: I love topping with avocado. Feel free to top with your favorite hot sauce, sour cream, queso Oaxaca or salsa verde instead.

Huevos Rancheros Recipe Variations

• Salsa Verde Huevos Rancheros: Instead of using a tomato-based sauce, you can use a salsa verde (green salsa) made with tomatillos, green chilies, onions, and cilantro. This gives the dish a tangy and slightly tart flavor, which complements the eggs and tortillas nicely.
• Smoky Huevos Rancheros: Add a smoky twist to your Huevos Rancheros by using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or smoked paprika in the tomato-based sauce. This adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the dish, which pairs well with the eggs and other toppings.
• Breakfast Burrito-style Huevos Rancheros: Wrap all the traditional Huevos Rancheros ingredients, including the eggs, tomato-based sauce, beans, cheese, and other toppings, in a large flour tortilla to create a breakfast burrito-style Huevos Rancheros. This makes it a portable and convenient option for a grab-and-go breakfast or brunch.
• Sweet Potato Huevos Rancheros: Add a twist to the dish by using sweet potato instead of corn tortillas as the base. Slice sweet potatoes into rounds or wedges, roast them until crispy, and then use them as a base for the eggs, tomato-based sauce, and other toppings. This adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish and provides a different texture compared to traditional corn tortillas.
• Seafood Huevos Rancheros: Add a seafood twist to your Huevos Rancheros by using shrimp, crab, or smoked salmon as a protein source. Sauté the seafood with Mexican spices and use it as a topping on the tortillas, along with the tomato-based sauce and other toppings, for a delicious and unique variation.

Check out my Huevos Ahogados and my Quesadillas with Zucchini Squash.

Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan: A skillet or frying pan is essential for cooking the tomato-based sauce, frying or poaching eggs, and sautéing any other ingredients. Choose a skillet or frying pan that is large enough to accommodate the eggs and other toppings.
• Spatula or turner: A spatula or turner is necessary for flipping tortillas, transferring eggs, and stirring the tomato-based sauce. Look for a spatula or turner that is heat-resistant and suitable for non-stick pans to protect your cookware.
• Cutting board and knife: You will need a cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and cilantro, to prepare the tomato-based sauce and other toppings.
• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is useful for whisking eggs, combining ingredients for the tomato-based sauce, and assembling the toppings.
• Blender or food processor (optional): If you prefer a smooth tomato-based sauce, you may need a blender or food processor to puree the ingredients for the sauce. This is optional, as you can also make a chunky sauce by simply cooking the ingredients together in the skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for accurately measuring ingredients, such as spices, sauces, and liquids, to ensure the right balance of flavors in the dish.
• Serving plates or bowls: Finally, you will need serving plates or bowls to present and serve the completed Huevos Rancheros dish.

How to store Huevos Rancheros

• Separate the components: If you have leftover components of Huevos Rancheros, such as the tomato-based sauce, beans, or toppings, it's best to store them separately in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and flavors.
• Store in the refrigerator: Huevos Rancheros can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Place the components in separate containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Reheat properly: To reheat Huevos Rancheros, gently warm up the components individually in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating or prolonged reheating to prevent the eggs from becoming overcooked.
• Keep tortillas separate: If you have leftover tortillas, it's best to store them separately from the other components. Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• Avoid freezing: Due to the nature of the dish and the ingredients involved, Huevos Rancheros is not suitable for freezing. The eggs and other components may not retain their texture and flavors well after freezing and thawing.
• Assemble before serving: To enjoy the best flavors and textures, it's recommended to assemble Huevos Rancheros just before serving. This will help maintain the freshness and integrity of the components.

Huevos Rancheros Recipe Top tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro, will add the best flavors to your tomato-based sauce and toppings. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate the taste of your dish.
• Customize the spice level: Huevos Rancheros can be as mild or spicy as you prefer. Adjust the amount of chili peppers or hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance. You can also customize the spice level for individual servings to accommodate different preferences.
• Cook eggs to your liking: Huevos Rancheros typically feature eggs cooked sunny-side-up or over-easy, with a slightly runny yolk. However, you can adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of doneness for the eggs. Keep a close eye on the eggs while cooking to prevent overcooking.
• Don't skip the tortillas: The tortillas are a key component of Huevos Rancheros, so choose good-quality corn or flour tortillas and fry them up before serving.
• Add extra toppings: While traditional Huevos Rancheros typically include tomato-based sauce, eggs, beans, and cheese, you can also add extra toppings to suit your taste preferences. Avocado slices, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco are common additions that can enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.
• Experiment with variations: Huevos Rancheros is a versatile dish, so don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations. You can try different types of beans, cheeses, or sauces, and even swap out some ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Serve with fresh garnishes: Fresh garnishes, such as chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and diced tomatoes, can add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Serve Huevos Rancheros with some fresh garnishes on the side for an extra pop of flavor.
• Serve immediately: Huevos Rancheros is best when served immediately after assembling to ensure that the tortillas and eggs are still warm and the flavors are at their peak. Serve the dish right away for the best taste and texture.

Print

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.