Introduction
Eggs Royale is the posh cousin of Eggs Benedict, often reserved for special occasions or weekend brunches. Imagine biting into a crispy English muffin topped with rich smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and a poached egg blanketed in silky Hollandaise sauce. This dish is a harmony of textures and flavors that can turn an ordinary brunch into a five-star experience.
In this article, we’ll not only walk through the recipe, but also delve into the benefits of each ingredient, some chef-level tips, and ways to customize and elevate the dish to fit your taste. By the end, you’ll be ready to wow your friends and family—or simply treat yourself to an indulgent brunch that balances richness and health.
Ingredients and Their Nutritional Value
Each ingredient in this dish is carefully chosen to complement the others, both in taste and in health benefits. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these ingredients are a great choice for your body and your palate.
- 4 English Muffins: Toasted to perfection, these create the sturdy, crispy foundation of the dish. For those looking for gluten-free options, consider alternatives like sweet potato rounds, a bed of sautéed spinach, or gluten-free English muffins.
- 8 Large Eggs: Fresh, ideally organic, eggs are packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. We’ll poach these to keep the yolks runny, adding a rich, velvety texture to each bite.
- 200g Smoked Salmon: Salmon adds a luxurious flavor with its smoky, salty notes. More than that, it’s a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and cognitive function.
- 2 Avocados: Creamy and loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados add richness and a slight nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon.
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar: This isn’t for flavor but for technique. Adding vinegar to the poaching water helps the egg whites firm up faster, making for a tidier poached egg.
- Fresh Dill: A garnish that adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh, slightly tangy flavor, enhancing the dish’s overall appeal.
Hollandaise Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 Egg Yolks: The base of Hollandaise sauce, egg yolks create a rich, creamy texture when emulsified with butter.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Balances out the sauce’s richness, adding brightness and enhancing the salmon’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Melted and whisked in gradually, butter gives the sauce a velvety, luxurious feel.
- Salt & Cayenne Pepper: These seasonings bring out the flavors, and the cayenne adds just a hint of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Eggs Royale from scratch requires a few key techniques. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be a brunch pro in no time.
1. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
- Set up a double boiler: Fill a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Set a heatproof bowl on top, ensuring it doesn’t come into contact with the water.
- Whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice in the bowl until they thicken and lighten in color—about 3-5 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the melted butter, whisking constantly to emulsify. If the sauce gets too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water.
- Season with salt and cayenne pepper, then set aside, keeping it warm. Pro tip: To keep the sauce warm without curdling, place it near a warm spot on the stove, away from direct heat.
2. Poach the Eggs
- Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the vinegar.
- Crack each egg into a small bowl, then carefully slide it into the water.
- You can poach up to 3-4 eggs at once, depending on the size of your pan.
- Poach for about 3-4 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny. Lift each egg out with a slotted spoon and set them on a paper towel to remove excess water.
3. Toast the Muffins and Assemble
- Toast your English muffins until golden and crisp.
- On each muffin half, layer slices of smoked salmon and avocado.
- Carefully place a poached egg on top, then spoon a generous amount of Hollandaise sauce over it, letting it spill over the sides.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh dill over each plate, and enjoy the masterpiece you’ve created!
Nutritional Benefits and Ingredient Spotlight
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats that help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and are linked to lower risks of heart disease.
High-Quality Protein
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, supplying all nine essential amino acids. This makes them particularly beneficial for muscle repair and maintenance, making them a great post-workout food too.
Healthy Fats
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels and support heart health. The fiber in avocados also aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is packed with essential vitamins like B12 (from salmon), Vitamin E (from avocado), and Vitamin D (from eggs), supporting everything from energy levels to immune function.
Tips for Perfecting Your Eggs Royale
Cooking Eggs Royale is a bit of an art. Here are some tips to make it foolproof:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality smoked salmon and fresh eggs make all the difference. Fresh eggs will give you a neater poached egg, while premium salmon will add a rich, savory depth.
- Perfecting Poached Eggs: Poaching may seem intimidating, but it’s manageable with a few tricks. Keep the water at a gentle simmer, not a full boil, and use a spoon to gently swirl the water as you slide the egg in, helping the whites wrap around the yolk neatly.
- Troubleshoot Hollandaise: If your sauce splits, don’t panic. Simply whisk in a teaspoon of warm water, and it should come back together. For an extra tangy kick, add a bit more lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Serve Right Away: Eggs Royale is best served fresh, while the Hollandaise is still warm and the muffins are crispy. The dish can get soggy if it sits too long.
Customizing Your Eggs Royale
This recipe is easy to adapt. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add Spinach: For an Eggs Florentine twist, add a layer of sautéed spinach under the smoked salmon.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to your Hollandaise for a spicy version.
- Lighter Hollandaise: Swap half the butter for Greek yogurt to lighten up the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
Pairing Suggestions
Beverages: A classic mimosa or champagne brings a festive touch. For a non-alcoholic option, herbal teas or freshly squeezed orange juice work beautifully.
Side Dishes: Balance the richness of Eggs Royale with a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or a fruit salad with berries and mint for a refreshing side.
Bread Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, serve on roasted sweet potato rounds or a bed of sautéed spinach for a lower-carb option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Eggs: The beauty of poached eggs lies in their runny yolk. Keep an eye on the timer and remove them as soon as the whites are set.
- Rushing the Hollandaise: Take your time. If you add butter too quickly, the sauce may separate. A slow, steady stream of butter is key to that silky, stable sauce.
- Skipping the Vinegar: Without vinegar, the whites won’t coagulate as neatly. This is especially helpful if your eggs aren’t as fresh.
Why Make Eggs Royale at Home?
Eggs Royale is a restaurant favorite, but making it at home gives you control over ingredient quality and customization. Plus, it’s an impressive dish to serve for a special brunch or even as a breakfast-for-dinner option.
Closing Thoughts
Eggs Royale isn’t just a breakfast—it’s a culinary experience. There’s something undeniably satisfying about creating each element from scratch, from poaching the perfect egg to whisking up a homemade Hollandaise. Emma Lafifi hopes that, by trying out this recipe, you’ll discover how rewarding it is to make a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch, Mother’s Day, or simply treating yourself, Eggs Royale is sure to make any occasion feel special. So grab those eggs, get the water simmering, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite of this brunch masterpiece.
Print
Smoked Salmon and Avocado Eggs Royale Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 Serves 1x
Description
This delightful brunch recipe combines smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and poached eggs over toasted English muffins, topped with velvety hollandaise sauce. Perfect for a special morning!
Ingredients
- 2 English muffins, split and toasted
- 4 slices of smoked salmon
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 4 poached eggs
- Hollandaise sauce, for topping
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the English muffins until golden brown.
- Place a slice of smoked salmon on each muffin half.
- Layer with sliced avocado and a poached egg on top.
- Drizzle hollandaise sauce generously over the eggs.
- Garnish with fresh chives, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Poaching Eggs: For perfect poached eggs, add a splash of vinegar to the boiling water to help the egg whites set more quickly.
- Hollandaise Sauce: If you’re short on time, pre-made hollandaise sauce works well, but homemade adds a richer flavor.
- Avocado Selection: Choose a ripe avocado for creaminess; it should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
- Customizations: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the hollandaise for an extra kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 270mg