FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Shakshuka Recipe
• What Is Shakshuka?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Shakshuka
• Tips For The Best Shakshuka Recipe
• Recipe Variations
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Shakshuka
• More Egg Brunch Recipes
• My Favorite Pan For This Shakshuka Recipe
• Shakshuka Recipe Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Ever tried a breakfast recipe that feels like a warm hug? That’s the magic of shakshuka. This shakshuka recipe brings together eggs and a vibrant tomato sauce, laced with just the right spices to kickstart your day with a burst of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that impresses without the fuss — oh-so-easy and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy morning, hosting a laid-back brunch, or craving breakfast for dinner, shakshuka is it . You’ll also find this recipe in my second cookbook .

Why You’ll Love This Shakshuka Recipe

• Silky poached eggs in a rich tomato and herb sauce
• Simple, common ingredients
• Minimal prep time — ready in just 30 minutes!
• Serve any time of day
• More exciting than traditional baked eggs

What Is Shakshuka?

Shakshuka (or shakshouka) is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce with herbs.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best shakshuka ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Avocado Oil – Used for sauteing the onions and garlic. Extra virgin olive oil works great as an alternative.
• Onion – I used a white onion, but you could also use red onion or shallots for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Garlic – Use fresh garlic if you can, but 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic works as a shortcut.
• Diced Tomatoes With Green Chilies – This makes up the base of the sauce, for both flavor and heat. If you want your shakshuka recipe to be more mild, you can use diced tomatoes without any green chilies.
• Tomato Sauce – You can also use crushed tomatoes or even marinara sauce for a slightly different twist.
• Spices – This easy shakshuka recipe includes the usual suspects for a Middle Eastern dish: Paprika , cumin , and sea salt. I didn’t add black pepper because the green chilies already add heat, but you can add it if you like. For a lot more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Eggs – The star of the show!
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of freshness and color. Fresh cilantro or chives work well as substitutes if needed.

How To Make Shakshuka

This section shows how to make shakshuka eggs, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the aromatics. In a cast iron skillet , cook the diced onions until browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Simmer the sauce. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juices from the can), tomato sauce, paprika, and cumin. Mix together. Add the sea salt. Cover and simmer until thickened.

1. Add the eggs. Crack the eggs into the pan so that each egg is surrounded by tomato sauce. Sprinkle the eggs lightly with more sea salt. Cover and cook until the egg whites are opaque, but the yolks are still runny.
2. Garnish. Sprinkle the shakshuka recipe with fresh parsley to serve.

Tips For The Best Shakshuka Recipe

• Thicken the liquid: For the best consistency, make sure the tomato sauce is fully thickened before adding the eggs.
• Create wells for the eggs: Use a spoon to make wells in the tomato sauce before adding the eggs. Doing so helps the eggs settle and cook evenly.
• Cook the eggs to your preference: Keep an eye on the eggs as they cook. For runny yolks, cook them for about 4-6 minutes; for fully set yolks, extend the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

Recipe Variations

There are many different ways to make shakshuka recipes! Here are some fun ways to change it up:

• Feta & Spinach – Stir in a handful of fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the tomato mixture before adding the eggs. Let them wilt and melt slightly for a creamy, savory twist.
• Green Shakshuka – Replace the diced tomatoes with green chilies with a mix of sauteed spinach , kale, and zucchini. Top with a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese.
• More Veggies – Saute mushrooms and diced red bell peppers along with the onions and garlic for added earthy flavors and a burst of color. You can also toss in some roasted red peppers instead of fresh if you have those on hand.
• Chorizo – Make Mexican chorizo (with sausage) in the skillet before starting the recipe. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Harissa – Mix a teaspoon of harissa paste into the tomato sauce for a fiery kick. (If you’re not sure if you’ll use it again, my harissa chicken recipe begs to differ. ;)) Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or labneh to cool things down.
• Mediterranean Gyro Shakshuka – You’ll want to toss in sliced gyro meat right after your onions start to get tender—that way it gets nice and cozy with all the other flavors. Just give it a few minutes to heat through before you crack in the eggs, and you’re all set!

Storage Instructions

• Store: To store leftovers of this shakshuka recipe, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm over low to medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing egg shakshuka, because it will ruin the texture of the egg whites.

What To Serve With Shakshuka

This shakshuka recipe is a one-pan meal, so you could totally serve it on its own! Otherwise, pita bread is a classic pairing for shakshuka, but I prefer healthier sides to go with it:

• Salad – Balance the richness with a fresh Greek salad or a simple cucumber tomato salad .
• Veggies – Roasted cauliflower or sautéed spinach are a couple of my favorites.
• Healthy Grains – Serve over cooked quinoa or couscous to add extra heartiness and create a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice .

More Egg Brunch Recipes

Looking for more easy and flavorful brunch recipes with eggs? Try some of my faves below:

The Best Omelette

Spinach Quiche

Eggs Benedict Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

My Favorite Pan For This Shakshuka Recipe

I swear by this trusty cast iron skillet for this dish – it retains heat well and brings out all the rich flavors.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 tbsp Avocado oil (or olive oil) ▢
• 1/2 cup White onion (diced) ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 10-oz can Diced tomatoes with green chilies (no salt added – see notes*) ▢
• 1/2 cup Tomato sauce ▢
• 1 tsp Paprika ▢
• 1 tsp Cumin ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt (plus more to taste) ▢
• 6 large Eggs ▢
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet , heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes , until browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute , until fragrant.
2. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, paprika, and cumin, and mix. Add sea salt. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes , until the tomato mixture has thickened and most of the liquid is gone. If needed, cook for a couple of minutes uncovered to reduce.
3. Crack the eggs into the pan so that each egg is surrounded by tomato sauce. If desired, you can create a little well for each egg first. Sprinkle the eggs lightly with more sea salt.
4. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes , until the egg whites are opaque, but the yolks are still runny. If you prefer them more done, continue cooking the eggs to your liking.
5. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 eggs with sauce

*If you can’t find diced tomatoes with green chiles without salt added, you can use salted and reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook here .

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Shakshuka Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Shakshuka Recipe

A flavorful shakshuka recipe featuring eggs in spiced tomato sauce! Serve it for breakfast or dinner for a quick, one-pan meal in 30 minutes.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/shakshuka/

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1/2 cup White onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 10-oz can Diced tomatoes with green chilies (no salt added - see notes*)
• 1/2 cup Tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 6 large Eggs
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet , heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes , until browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute , until fragrant.
2. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, paprika, and cumin, and mix. Add sea salt. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes , until the tomato mixture has thickened and most of the liquid is gone. If needed, cook for a couple of minutes uncovered to reduce.
3. Crack the eggs into the pan so that each egg is surrounded by tomato sauce. If desired, you can create a little well for each egg first. Sprinkle the eggs lightly with more sea salt.
4. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes , until the egg whites are opaque, but the yolks are still runny. If you prefer them more done, continue cooking the eggs to your liking.
5. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 eggs with sauce

*If you can’t find diced tomatoes with green chiles without salt added, you can use salted and reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook here .

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)