Letting the eggs come to room temperature before boiling is important for even cooking and to prevent cracking. This recipe yields seductively runny centres, but if you prefer firm yolks, boil the eggs for 9 minutes instead of 6.
8 large eggs at room temperature
1 lb lean ground pork
3 green onions, chopped
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Flour for coating (approx. 1 cup)
3 eggs lightly beaten with 1 tbsp milk, to make egg wash
Panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs for coating (approx. 2-3 cups)
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Dijon or grainy mustard and sea salt to serve
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add 8 eggs and simmer for exactly 6 minutes. Immediately transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop them from cooking. Let sit.
2. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine pork, green onions, thyme, salt and cayenne. Divide mixture into 8 equal balls. Flatten each ball to 4"-5" diameter discs.
3. Carefully crack each boiled egg's shell and peel under running cold water. Place 1 egg on a pork disc and wrap in pork, gently sealing until egg is fully covered. Repeat with remaining eggs and discs.
4. Roll each covered egg in flour to lightly coat, dip in egg wash then roll in panko crumbs until coated. Repeat each step for each egg to give a double coating. Set coated eggs aside.
5. Fill a large pot with enough oil to cover eggs and heat over medium-high to a temperature of 350⁰F. Add eggs in batches and fry 6-7 minutes., or until golden.
6. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towel to cool slightly.
7. Serve eggs warm with Dijon or grainy mustard and a sprinkling of sea salt.
8. Refrigerate any uneaten eggs and enjoy cold the next day.
Perfect for a Ploughman's Lunch with a chunk of cheese, pickled onions, gherkins, baguette and Branston Pickle!!