Huevos al Albañil (Bricklayer's Eggs in Fiery Salsa)
Eggs scrambled or poached in a hot red chilli salsa, a hearty Mexico City breakfast for people who like heat.
Made with Salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa) and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.15 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the onion for 4 minutes until soft, then add the tomato and cook for 2 minutes.
6 min - 2
Pour in your ready made salsa taquera (see the base recipe) and the water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
4 min - 3
Crack the eggs into the sauce. For soft poached eggs, cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. For scrambled, stir gently until just set.
3 min 30 s - 4
Warm the ready made corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan.
- 5
Scatter over the coriander and serve straight from the pan with the warm tortillas for scooping.
Tips
- This dish is hot. For a milder version, use half the salsa and top up with water and an extra tomato.
- Cook the eggs until the whites are fully set if you are serving young children, older people or anyone pregnant.
- Albañil means bricklayer, so this is a hearty breakfast to start a hard working day.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Cool leftover sauce quickly and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; do not keep cooked eggs and reheat only until steaming hot.
Questions
Is this the same as huevos rancheros?
No. Rancheros are fried eggs on tortillas under a cooked tomato sauce. Huevos al albañil are cooked directly in a spicy sauce, usually hotter and without the tortilla base.
How can I make it milder?
Dilute the salsa with water and tomato, or add a spoonful of crema or yoghurt on top when serving.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, with corn tortillas. There is no wheat in the sauce or the eggs.
More made with salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa)
Tacos Campechanos (Steak and Chorizo Tacos)
GFDFEFAguachile Rojo de Camarón (Red Chilli Prawn Aguachile)
GFDFEFTacos de Alambre (Steak, Bacon and Pepper Tacos)
EFNFHPCostillitas Asadas con Recado Rojo (Achiote Pork Ribs)
GFDFEFSee every dish made with salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.