Flipping a fried egg is one of the activities that novice chefs dread the most. Getting the egg whites crispy and cooked and the yolks still runny isn't difficult, but you have to practice doing it. Perfectly fried eggs are the best thing in the world. You can enjoy it with any dish you can imagine.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Frying Perfect Eggs
Step 1. Put the skillet on the stove, heat it over medium temperature
Use a skillet that has enough space for the eggs to move around. A 20-inch pot will fit one egg, but you'll need a 30cm or larger pan for 2-3 eggs at a time.
Step 2. Add a little oil or butter to the pan until warm
1/2 tablespoon should be enough for every one egg. As it heats up, rotate the pan so that the oil coats all the surfaces. Watch the boiling temperature so the oil or butter doesn't burn.
- Using a pan that is too large can cause the eggs to stick, because the layer of oil that is spread over the pan is too thin to cook just one egg. Add a little more oil to prevent this from happening.
- For very savory eggs, use a little bacon fat.
- Cooking spray is a quick and easy way to ensure that the entire pan is coated with oil.
Step 3. Allow the pan to heat until the butter/oil is hot, but not until it turns brown
Lower temperature is better; too high a temperature will burn/scorch your oil and eggs quickly. All you need is oil that is starting to boil slightly or butter that is starting to bubble. When you add the eggs, the whites should sizzle slightly.
Step 4. Crack the first egg and pour it into a small plate or bowl, or crack the egg and place it straight into the skillet
Crack the eggs slowly so the yolks don't break. Cracking the egg and putting it in the bowl first will remove the shell fragments that entered before cooking. When you pour the eggs into the skillet, you should hear a light hiss, but there should be no popping or splashing of oil.
Step 5. Cook the eggs, until the clear ends turn white
When you can no longer see the bottom of the skillet because the egg whites are already cooked close to the surface of the skillet, you are ready to move on to the next step. Don't try and move the eggs now, as they are gelatinous and will likely fall back into place.
This process usually takes 1-3 minutes
Step 6. Cover the pan and lower the heat when the edges start to turn white
Put the cover on the skillet. This will keep the steam in the pan, and cook the top of the egg and help the whites to cook. This is the best way to keep the yolks liquid, as too much heat can instantly cook the yolks from the bottom before the whites are fully cooked.
Step 7. Observe the hardness of the yolk by lifting the lid of the skillet and gently touching it with your finger
When the texture is no longer gelatinous, i.e. the whites look transparent, your eggs are ready. You can continue cooking for the harder eggs or remove them from the skillet and serve immediately.
For your mix, eggs with still yolks should take about 5 minutes from the second egg hits the skillet to finish cooking. For your average, runny egg this process takes roughly 5 minutes from the second the egg hits the pan until it's done
Step 8. Lift the eggs out of the pan in a quick, steady motion with a spatula
You have to quickly lift and move the eggs so that the yolks don't break. Serve and enjoy.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor while the eggs are still hot
Method 2 of 2: Serving Fried Eggs
Step 1. Fry your eggs in hot oil for crispy golden brown whites and runny yolks
To do this, heat 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of olive oil instead of just 1 or tablespoons. When you put the eggs in, turn the skillet so that the hot oil and eggs slide to the edges of the skillet, which are still hotter. While cooking, use a spoon to scoop out the oil from the skillet and place it over the eggs to coat them with the hot olive oil. When the outside is brown and crispy, remove the eggs, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
- Be careful – the oil can splatter and hiss.
- This method can cook eggs in just 30-60 seconds.
Step 2. Flip the egg in half to make it easier
Instead of covering the pan, flip the egg halfway over once the whites are ready to cook the tops of the yolks quickly and crisply. Make sure you use a lot of oil, and use a spatula quickly, even turning it over without tearing it.
Step 3. Serve eggs on toast for a simple breakfast
The classic fried egg is on toast, usually paired with fruit or bacon, it's a breakfast staple all over the world. For a simpler and more filling breakfast, you can add:
- Spinach or arugula.
- Tomato and/or avocado.
- Smoked pork, sausage or ham.
- Cheese.
- Fried rice.
Step 4. Serve the fried eggs over the leftovers to make a filling dish
Toss in fried vegetables, beans, rice, and even pasta for an extra boost of flavor with fried eggs and egg yolks that are runny. If you need to spice/add flavor to a leftover dish, make fried eggs.
Step 5. Put fried eggs on sandwiches or hamburgers for a protein-rich option
Sandwiches with fried eggs are delicious, toss in a baguette or bread with some cheese, avocado and tomatoes. On top of a hamburger, a fried egg and melted yolk can elevate the meat to a whole new level.
Step 6. Make Huevos Rancheros
This easy breakfast dish is a bit like an open burrito. To make it, sprinkle 2-3 corn tortillas with black beans, avocado, tomatoes, cheese and salsa, plus any taco ingredients you like. Put a fried egg on top of each of your tortilla creations and enjoy.
Fried eggs also go well with potatoes or sweet potato mixes, so try potatoes as a base instead of using tortillas
Tips
- Fresh eggs will produce the best / tastiest fried eggs.
- Do not season your fried eggs until they are almost done cooking.
- Work at the right temperature so you can make the exact eggs you like. And remember what kind of setting is right for you to fry the eggs next.
- If any eggshells get into your bowl, use a spoon to scoop them out.
