Sri Lankan Egg Curry
Hey there, friend! If you’re ready to dive into a bowl of bold, comforting flavors that’ll make your kitchen smell like a cozy Sri Lankan home, you’re in for a treat. This Sri Lankan Egg Curry is all about rich, fragrant spices mingling with tender boiled eggs swimming in a luscious, spicy coconut gravy. Imagine the aroma of curry leaves and mustard seeds sizzling, the warmth of cinnamon and cardamom in the air, and that creamy coconut kiss balancing all the heat. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s a game-changer that’s perfect for weekday dinners or weekend feasts. So grab your apron, and let’s bring some Sri Lankan magic to your table!
Why You’ll Love Sri Lankan Egg Curry
This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a moment, a burst of flavor, and a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, here’s why this curry will become a fast favorite:
- Versatile: Great for quick weeknight dinners or as a showstopper for guests. You can pair it with rice, roti, or even bread.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch.
- Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that make it beginner-friendly, no complicated techniques here.
- Customizable: Love it spicy? Add more chili. Prefer milder? Adjust to taste easily.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Both kids and adults adore this comforting curry with its balanced flavors and creamy texture.

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Ingredients in Sri Lankan Egg Curry
Here’s the magic behind this delicious curry. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating those rich, layered flavors you’ll crave:
- Boiled Eggs: The creamy, tender core of the dish, soaking up all that spicy, fragrant gravy.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a smooth, silky richness that balances the heat perfectly.
- Curry Leaves: A signature Sri Lankan flavor that brings freshness and depth.
- Mustard Seeds: Tiny bursts of pungent spice that wake up the palate.
- Cinnamon Stick & Cardamom Pods: Warm spices that infuse the curry with subtle sweetness.
- Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: The holy trinity of aromatics that build the curry’s flavor base.
- Chili Powder & Turmeric: For that beautiful color and a gentle spicy kick.
- Tomato: Adds a slight tang and depth to the sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro: A final burst of herbaceous freshness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions for Sri Lankan Egg Curry
Let’s walk through how to bring this flavorful dish to life:
Prepare Your Eggs
Start by boiling your eggs to perfect doneness. Once cooled, peel and set aside—they’ll soak up all that lovely curry goodness.
Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Heat oil in a pan, then add mustard seeds and curry leaves until they pop and release their fragrance. Toss in onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until golden and fragrant.
Build the Curry Base
Add cinnamon, cardamom, chili powder, turmeric, and chopped tomato. Cook until the tomato breaks down and the spices meld into a thick, aromatic paste.
Add Coconut Milk
Pour in the creamy coconut milk, stirring gently to combine and creating that silky curry sauce.
Simmer with Eggs
Nestle your boiled eggs into the curry, letting them simmer gently so they absorb the flavors and heat through.
Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and brightness. Serve hot, paired with fluffy rice or warm bread.
How to Serve Sri Lankan Egg Curry
This curry is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides:
- Fluffy steamed rice or fragrant coconut rice
- Warm, soft roti or chapati to scoop up the sauce
- Fresh cucumber salad or tangy pickles for contrast
- A side of sautéed greens to add color and nutrition
For a cozy meal, serve in a deep bowl with plenty of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Presentation can be simple yet inviting—comfort food that feels special.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Boil eggs and chop aromatics in advance to save time.
- Spice it Your Way: Add more chili for heat or swap chili powder for smoked paprika for a twist.
- Dietary Tweaks: Use light coconut milk to reduce calories or add extra veggies for a hearty boost.
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the eggs tender.
- Double It Up: This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other types of eggs?
A1: Absolutely! Duck eggs or quail eggs work beautifully if you want to try something different.
Q2: Can I make this curry vegan?
A2: Yes! Simply omit the eggs and add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Q3: How spicy is this curry?
A3: It’s medium-spicy by default, but you can easily adjust the chili quantity to suit your taste.
Q4: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Q5: Can I prepare this curry in advance?
A5: Yes, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Q6: What rice pairs best with this curry?
A6: Steamed basmati or jasmine rice complements the curry’s rich flavors perfectly.
Q7: Is coconut milk necessary?
A7: It adds richness and balances spices, but you can substitute with cream or yogurt if needed.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to this curry?
A8: Definitely! Potatoes, peas, or spinach are great additions.
Q9: What cookware is best for this dish?
A9: A heavy-bottomed pan or skillet works best for even cooking and preventing burning.
Q10: How long can I freeze this curry?
A10: It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it—Sri Lankan Egg Curry that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to brighten your mealtime. This dish brings together warm spices, creamy coconut, and perfectly cooked eggs for a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a delicious, soulful meal. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
Print
Sri Lankan Egg Curry
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Curry
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Description
Dive into the rich, aromatic flavors of this Sri Lankan Egg Curry—a hearty, comforting dish where tender boiled eggs soak up a luscious, spiced coconut curry sauce. Perfect served with fluffy basmati rice, it’s a vibrant meal that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on your weekly rotation! #SriLankanCuisine #EggCurry #CoconutCurry
Ingredients
For the Eggs
- 7–8 eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For the Curry Sauce
- 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
- 1 red onion, finely sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 5–6 cardamom pods
- 4–5 curry leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Sri Lankan masala (or garam masala)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- Salt to taste
For Garnish and Serving
- Handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional)
- Cooked basmati rice
Instructions
- Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, add vinegar, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 9–10 minutes.
- Drain eggs, cool under cold water, peel, and set aside.
- Heat ghee or coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and golden.
- Add tomatoes, ginger, garlic, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tomatoes break down.
- Stir in curry leaves, ground coriander, Sri Lankan masala, chili powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in coconut milk, season with salt, and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Add peeled eggs to the curry and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and drizzle with chili oil if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice.
Notes
- Use fresh curry leaves for the authentic flavor; dried leaves won’t have the same aroma.
- Adjust chili powder to your spice preference; add more for heat or reduce for mildness.
- For a richer curry, use full-fat coconut milk or even add a splash of cream.
- Try serving with naan or roti for a different experience.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 185mg