
This crispy egg salad brings together all the comfort of classic egg salad with a fun twist. Soft chopped eggs get a subtle spicy kick and plenty of tang from Kewpie mayonnaise and sriracha. The best part is pan frying little patties of the mixture into golden brown cakes. Each one comes out with a melty mozzarella texture on the inside and a crispy finish on the outside.
I remember the first time I made this for a picnic lunch. My friends could not stop talking about how the crunchy warm patties made egg salad exciting again and we kept coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Hard boiled eggs: choose eggs that are not too fresh so they peel easily and chop them small so every bite is tender
- Mozzarella cheese: opt for pre-shredded for fast prep or shred a quality block for best texture and flavor
- Kewpie mayonnaise: look for the distinctive bottle with the baby logo for richer taste than regular mayo
- Sriracha: choose one with a smooth consistency for even mixing and adjust the quantity based on your heat preference
- Chives: pick bright green chives and slice finely for a fresh onion flavor
- Salt: use flaky or fine salt according to what you have on hand and season to taste
- Black pepper: crack it fresh for more peppery depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop Eggs:
- Chop six hard boiled eggs into small pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Aim for even size so the eggs hold together when fried and every bit gets coated with flavor.
- Mix Egg Salad:
- Add Kewpie mayonnaise sriracha chopped chives shredded mozzarella cheese salt and cracked black pepper on top of the chopped eggs. Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly combine everything making sure the cheese is distributed evenly for meltiness.
- Shape Patties:
- Scoop out portions of the egg salad mixture about a quarter cup each. Shape gently into small compact cakes using your hands or a spoon so they hold together when frying.
- Pan Fry Cakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium high heat and apply a light layer of cooking spray. Place egg salad patties into the hot pan without crowding. Fry on the first side for one to two minutes until golden and the cheese starts to crisp. Flip carefully and sear for one more minute until the second side is golden and crisp as well.
- Serve:
- Toast a slice of your favorite bread and add a layer of sliced avocado. Place a hot crispy egg salad patty on top adding more chives or sliced jalapeño for an extra kick. Enjoy immediately for the ultimate texture contrast.

My favorite part of this dish is the sriracha which adds just enough heat. My kids love shaping the patties and it always turns into a fun kitchen project for us.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover crispy egg salad cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To recreate the crispiness just reheat briefly in a non stick pan until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best results as it can make them soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap in cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese if you do not have mozzarella. Regular mayonnaise works in place of Kewpie in a pinch but the flavor will be less rich. For a mild version skip the sriracha or use a sweet chili sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy egg salad cakes shine on toasted sourdough with sliced avocado or in a bento box lunch. They also make a unique protein rich snack and can be stuffed into a pita with lettuce for an easy handheld meal.
Bringing a Classic Into the Present
Egg salad has been loved for generations but frying the mixture into little cakes gives it a fun new texture. The combination of crunchy edges and creamy middle is inspired by Asian street food snacks as well as American comfort food. The use of Kewpie mayonnaise adds an unmistakable tang that feels both traditional and modern.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of mayonnaise works best?
Kewpie mayonnaise brings a rich, slightly sweet flavor and smooth texture, making it ideal for this dish.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Shredded mozzarella melts smoothly, but you can substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a stronger flavor.
- → How do I keep the cakes from falling apart?
Be sure to chop the eggs small and mix thoroughly so ingredients bind well, and handle gently when flipping.
- → Is it necessary to use sriracha?
Sriracha adds heat and tang, but you can use another hot sauce or omit it if milder flavor is preferred.
- → What’s the best way to serve these cakes?
Serve hot over toasted bread with sliced avocado and fresh jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness, but you can prepare the mixture ahead and pan-fry just before serving.