Chili-Crisp Soft Eggs over Charred Corn Couscous Bowls

Chili crisp, the crunchy chile oil beloved in Chinese cooking, crowns soft eggs over pearl couscous and blistered sweet corn. Charred kernels and a hit of cotija make this lunch bowl smoky, spicy, and ready for weeknights.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 18 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 24g protein
• 48g carbs
• 28g fat
• 7g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1.5 cups dry pearl couscous
• 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
• 8 large eggs
• 3 tbsp chili crisp oil with solids
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. 1Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the pearl couscous until tender with a slight chew, then drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
2. 2Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high until nearly smoking, then add the olive oil and corn kernels in a single layer.
3. 3Let the corn sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply charred on one side, then stir and cook another minute until fragrant and speckled brown.
4. 4Scrape the charred corn into the couscous bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss so the grains pick up the smoky oil.
5. 5Fill a separate saucepan with water and bring to a gentle simmer; carefully lower in the eggs and cook exactly 6 and a half minutes for jammy yolks.
6. 6Transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 1 minute, then peel under cool running water so the shells slip off cleanly.
7. 7Divide the warm corn couscous among four bowls and nestle two halved soft eggs on top of each portion.
8. 8Spoon chili crisp generously over the cut eggs so the oil pools into the yolks and the crunchy bits cling to the whites.
9. 9Top each bowl with sliced avocado, scallions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija.
10. 10Squeeze a lime wedge over every bowl right before serving to brighten the chili heat and cut the richness.
11. 11Serve immediately while the eggs are still warm and the yolks run into the couscous.