Delicate pastry wrapped around a runny egg, tuna, capers, and parsley, deep-fried until shatteringly crispy.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Instructions
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1
Prepare the filling by combining the drained tuna, finely diced onion, chopped capers, parsley, harissa paste, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly with a fork, breaking up any large chunks of tuna until the filling is evenly seasoned and combined.
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2
Lay one pastry sheet flat on a clean, dry work surface. Spoon a quarter of the tuna mixture onto one half of the pastry, spreading it slightly and creating a small well in the centre of the filling to cradle the egg securely.
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3
Carefully crack one egg directly into the well in the centre of the tuna filling. The egg should sit nestled in the filling without running off the edges. Work quickly to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy and difficult to fold properly.
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4
Fold the empty half of the pastry sheet over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together firmly with your fingers to seal completely. Ensure there are no gaps where oil could seep in or the egg could leak out during frying.
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5
Heat vegetable oil to a depth of two centimetres in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches one hundred and seventy-five degrees Celsius. Carefully slide the brik into the hot oil and fry for two minutes on the first side until golden and crispy.
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6
Gently flip the brik using a wide spatula and fry the second side for an additional two minutes until uniformly golden brown and the pastry is shatteringly crisp. The egg inside should be cooked with a set white but a still-runny yolk for the most authentic result.
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7
Remove the brik from the oil and drain briefly on paper towels. Serve immediately on a warm plate with lemon wedges alongside, as the pastry loses its crispness quickly. Squeeze lemon juice generously over the brik just before eating.
Did You Know?
Eating brik without breaking the yolk is considered a test of skill in Tunisia.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- deep skillet
- tongs
- cutting board
Garnishing
lemon wedges, fresh parsley
Accompaniments
The Story Behind Brik a l'Oeuf
The Story: Brik a l'oeuf is Tunisia's most iconic street food, a paper-thin pastry called malsouka wrapped around a filling of runny egg, tuna, capers, and parsley, then deep-fried until shattering and golden. The malsouka pastry traces its origins to the Andalusian bstilla tradition brought by Muslim refugees from Spain, though Tunisians transformed it into something uniquely their own. The art of making malsouka by tapping a ball of dough against a hot griddle to form translucent sheets is a skill that takes years to master.
On the Calendar: Brik is eaten year-round as a starter or snack, but it takes on special importance during Ramadan, when it is one of the most common dishes served at iftar to break the daily fast. Its richness and portability make it ideal for the evening meal after a long day of fasting.
Then & Now: Once made exclusively with hand-tapped malsouka, brik is now often prepared with factory-produced feuille de brick pastry, making it accessible to home cooks worldwide. Filling variations have expanded to include shrimp, chicken, and cheese, but the classic egg-and-tuna version remains the gold standard.
Legacy: Brik embodies the Tunisian genius for transforming minimal ingredients into something dramatic, a crisp golden parcel that demands to be eaten immediately, standing up, with juices running down the chin.
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