A Beginner’s Guide to Making Easy and Healthy Migas

Imagine waking up to a warm, satisfying breakfast that’s packed with flavor, texture, and a little bit of spice. That’s exactly what you get with migas, a classic Mexican-inspired dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly delicious. If you’ve never made migas before, don’t worry—this recipe is perfect for beginners. It’s quick, requires minimal cooking skills, and is a great way to use up leftover tortilla chips.

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One of the best things about migas is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. In under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, this version keeps things light and healthy, making it an excellent choice for those who want a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start cooking, it’s important to have everything ready. This ensures a smooth cooking process, especially for beginners. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 medium eggs
• 2 oz red onions (divided: 1 ½ oz roughly chopped, ½ oz finely diced)
• 1 oz jalapeño peppers (divided: ¾ oz deseeded and diced, ¼ oz sliced)
• 8 oz red cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• 2 oz tortilla chips
• ¼ cup homemade tomato sauce
• 1 oz mozzarella cheese (grated)
• ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Ingredient Substitutions

• Eggs: If you’re out of eggs or want a vegan alternative, you can use tofu as a scramble base.
• Jalapeños: If you prefer a milder dish, swap jalapeños for bell peppers.
• Tortilla Chips: No tortilla chips? Use crushed corn tortillas or baked tortilla strips.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even feta can work as substitutes.
• Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have homemade sauce, canned tomato sauce or salsa can be used instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking migas is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

1. Sauté the Onions

Heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 ½ oz chopped red onions and cook for about 2 minutes. The onions should soften and turn translucent, which enhances their natural sweetness.

Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning. If they start browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

2. Sauté the Jalapeños

Add ¾ oz diced jalapeños to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. This releases their flavor and spice into the dish.

Tip: If you want to reduce the heat, remove the seeds before chopping the jalapeños. If you prefer a spicier dish, leave some seeds in.

3. Cook the Tomatoes

Next, add 8 oz quartered cherry tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will start breaking down, creating a slightly chunky sauce that forms the base of the dish.

Tip: If the tomatoes start sticking to the pan, add a splash of water to loosen them.

4. Make the Sauce

Pour ¼ cup of homemade tomato sauce into the pan and stir for about 1 minute. This adds depth and brings all the flavors together.

Tip: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water. If it’s too tart, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

5. Scramble the Eggs

In a bowl, whisk 4 eggs until fully combined. Reduce the heat to low and pour the eggs into the pan. Stir gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the eggs to set gradually.

Tip: Avoid overcooking the eggs. They should be soft and slightly creamy, not dry. If they cook too quickly, remove the pan from the heat briefly.

6. Mix in the Tortilla Chips

Once the eggs are set but still slightly soft, add 2 oz of tortilla chips. Gently fold them in, allowing them to soak up some of the flavors while maintaining a slight crunch.

Tip: If you prefer a crispier texture, add the chips at the very end, just before serving.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle 1 oz of grated mozzarella cheese over the migas. Then, add the remaining ½ oz finely diced red onions, ¼ oz sliced jalapeños, 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Serve immediately while warm.

Tip: If you like extra cheesy migas, add more cheese and cover the pan for a minute to let it melt.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Even the simplest recipes can come with challenges, especially if you’re new to cooking. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your migas turn out great every time:

• Avoid Overcooking the Eggs: Cook them on low heat and remove them from the pan while they are still slightly soft. They will continue cooking from the residual heat.
• Balancing the Spice Level: Jalapeños can vary in heat. Taste a small piece before adding them to the pan, and adjust according to your preference.
• Keeping the Dish Fresh: If you’re making migas ahead of time, leave out the tortilla chips until just before serving to keep them crisp.
• Efficient Prep: Chop all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Serving Suggestions

Migas is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

• With a Side of Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Served with Beans: Black beans or refried beans complement the flavors of migas.
• Wrapped in a Tortilla: Turn your migas into a breakfast taco by wrapping it in a warm tortilla.
• With Fresh Salsa: A spoonful of fresh salsa or pico de gallo adds a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover migas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm it up in a pan over low heat. If the eggs seem dry, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as eggs and tortilla chips don’t freeze well together.

Conclusion

Migas is one of those simple yet flavorful dishes that prove you don’t need complex techniques to make a great meal. This beginner-friendly recipe allows you to experiment with different ingredients while developing essential cooking skills. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner, it’s a satisfying dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Now it’s your turn! Try this easy migas recipe and let us know how it turned out. Did you add your own twist? Share your experience in the comments and enjoy your delicious homemade migas.