Let's get back to basics, shall we? have always been my go-to dish because they're easy, quick, cheap and endlessly versatile, hence the fried on our logo. And while frying an may seem like a simple task at first glance, there is more than one way to fry an egg. This guide will help you decide what kind of pan to use, what kind of fat to use to fry the egg, and the different techniques you can use to get your fried just the way you like them!
How do you like your yolks?
WHAT KIND OF PAN IS BEST FOR FRYING EGGS?
Let's start with the cooking utensils. While you can use any type of pan to fry an egg, having some sort of non-stick surface makes the job easier. Whether it's Teflon, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, or a ceramic-coated pan, an extra smooth surface helps. If you prefer to use stainless steel, it is essential to make sure the pan is fully preheated to prevent the from sticking. It should be hot enough for a drop of water to fizz on the surface.
WHAT KIND OF FAT OR OIL IS BEST FOR FRYING EGGS?
The type of fat or oil you use to fry your is a matter of personal preference. Different fats will produce different flavours and textures in your fried eggs. Here are some different options and the effect they will have on your fried eggs:
- Butter - Butter is my top choice because it adds a TON of flavor and creates deliciously browned edges. Bonus: when the butter itself browns in the pan, you get even more nutty flavor.
- Olive Oil - Olive oil is great if you want a more neutral flavor or crispier edges. I love the delicately crispy edges of the frying that the oil creates on the whites.
- Bacon Grease - Bacon grease is by far the tastiest. If you want your kitchen to smell like the best breakfast ever, cook your in bacon grease. Also, if you already cook bacon with your breakfast, it's very convenient. Just cook the bacon in the pan first, then remove the bacon and cook your in the same pan.
- Flavored oils and sauces - Fried in things like pesto have become viral trends on the internet in the last few years and this can be a fun alternative to the usual. Most oil-based condiments will probably work, with crunchy chili being my favorite! Just be sure to fry on low heat to avoid burning the or any other solids in the oil.
HOW TO FRY AN EGG
The basic steps for frying an are simple:
- Heat a skillet over medium to medium-low heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the fat of your choice and swirl it around to coat the surface.
- Break the egg(s) into the pan.
- Continue to cook the until the whites and yolks reach the desired doneness. Optional: add a lid to the pan to trap the heat and cook the from top to bottom at the same time (this will create a cloudy surface on the yolk).
TYPES OF FRIED EGGS
There are several variations of the basic fried egg, but the most common types are the sunny side up, the over easy and the over hard. Here's how they differ and how you can make these different types of fried in your own kitchen.
SUNNY SIDE UP
A sunny side up is an that has been fried without being turned until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. This is, by far, my favorite type of fried egg. It's gorgeous and that runny yolk is perfect for dipping into a piece of buttered toast!
To get a sunny side up egg, use medium-low heat so the whites have time to set slowly before the edges get too brown and the yolk cooks through.
OVER EASY
Fried are perfect for those who like a runny yolk but want to make sure the whites are cooked through. They are also great for adding to sandwiches, burgers or other dishes where you want a runny yolk but not as delicate as a fried egg.
To fry an easy egg, cook over medium to medium-low heat (depending on how brown you want the whites to be), then flip the when the whites are about 75% set. Continue cooking the on the second side for 15-30 seconds to finish setting the whites and to set the top of the yolk. The center of the yolk should still be liquid.
OVER HARD
A hard-boiled fried is an that has been fried on both sides until the yolk is completely set. This type of fried is ideal for those who don't like runny yolks. It's also the easiest, in my humble opinion, because you can use slightly higher heat and because you're cooking on both sides, it goes a little faster.
To fry a "too hard" egg, just fry the on one side until the whites are about 50% set, then flip it over and cook it on the second side until the whites and yolks are completely set. You can tell if they are set by lightly pressing the yolk with the spatula. When it feels firm to the touch, it is set.
OVER MEDIUM
Medium fried are halfway between too easy and too hard. The yolks have a jammy texture. To achieve a medium rare egg, simply cook the on the second side until the yolks are partially set. As with overcooked eggs, you can test the yolk for doneness by lightly squeezing it with the spatula. It should have some elasticity, but should not be soft and runny.
TROUBLESHOOTING FRIED EGGS
- Runny whites: if the runs all over the pan instead of staying compact, the pan was not hot enough before adding the or the is not fresh (or both!).
- Burnt edges/uncooked whites: if the bottom and edges of your turn too brown before the whites are cooked through, the pan is too hot. Try using a lower heat next time, or add a lid to cook from the top down at the same time. To save this at the last minute, simply flip it over and cook it briefly on the second side to finish cooking the whites without continuing to brown the bottom (making it too easy or too hard).
- Broken yolk after flipping: Be gentle, my friend! If you flip the too aggressively, the yolk may break as you flip it. If you try to flip the too soon, you may also break the yolk. If you plan to hard-boil your egg, a broken yolk won't be a problem, but it can be a disappointment if you aim for easy cooking.
- shells in the pan: To avoid having small pieces of eggshell in your fried eggs, be sure to tap the shell on a flat surface rather than on the side of the pan, which can push the chips into the whites. For added precaution, you can crack the into a bowl first, then slide them into the pan after making sure there are no shell fragments in the eggs.
HOW TO FRY AN EGG
There's more than one way to fry an egg! Learn the techniques and tools you need to get your fried just the way you like it!
- SERVINGS 2
- COOK 8 mins
- TOTAL 8 mins
INGREDIENTS :
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 large egg
INSTRUCTIONS :
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat until completely preheated (3 to 5 minutes).
- Add the butter (or fat of your choice) and swirl to coat the surface of the pan.
- Break the into the pan and cook until the whites are set and the yolk is still liquid (sunny side up).
- For too easy, too medium or too hard, cook the until the whites are 50-75% set, then flip the and continue cooking on the second side until the yolk is cooked to the desired degree.
- Transfer the to a plate and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
NUTRITION :
- Serving: 1serving
- Calories: 89kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 87mg
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