When I started my culinary program in 2000, the first thing we were taught to make were the perfect fried eggs. This is more of a technique than a recipe, but it consistently gives me great results every time.
This is the easiest and best fool proof way to make a perfect fried egg. When I started my culinary program, my first lesson and test was how to cook a perfect fried egg. You could not continue culinary school until you provided a perfect sunny side up egg and this is the method we learned in school. I have been making fried eggs using this method for over twenty years and it works every single time
Fried Egg Recipe ingredients
- Large eggs
- Oil of choice (vegetable or corn oil)
- Water
- Salt and pepper
Butter or Oil to make fried eggs?
Some people swear by frying their eggs in butter, I am not one of those people. I prefer to fry my eggs in olive oil or vegetable oil. Butter in the frying pan becomes browned and gives the food a nutty flavor, in some instances that flavor is very much desired, but I don't what a nutty flavor in my eggs.
I prefer frying my eggs in a couple of tablespoons of oil because it gives you great crisp edges and I love those little edges.
The secret ingredient for the perfect fried egg is WATER!
The secret ingredient to perfect fried eggs is adding a tablespoon of water to the pan once your whites have cooked about 80% through. Once you've added the water, you'll want to immediately cover your pan and allow the steam to finish cooking the egg whites.
Frying an Egg: Step by step instructions
- Place a medium frying pan over medium-low heat and add your oil
- Once the oil is hot, add in your eggs.
- Once you see the egg whites are about 80% cooked and the edges are slightly browned, add in your water and cover to steam the top of the eggs.
- Depending on how you like your fried eggs, keep the eggs covered for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
How long to fry an egg?
Depending on how you like your yolks cooked, you'll keep the eggs covered for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If you like your eggs over easy, you'll steam the egg for about 30 seconds. If you prefer your eggs over medium, you'll keep the eggs covered for about 1 minute to one and a half minutes. Finally, if you prefer over hard eggs, keep them covered for 2 minutes.
Variations for frying eggs
Don't want to use Canola oil? You can opt instead for vegetable oil, olive oil or bacon fat.
Pro Tips for Frying an Egg
- Fresh is best: Opt for fresh, room-temperature eggs for the best results. Cold eggs take longer to cook and can cause the whites to spread unevenly.
- Crack with care: Crack the egg on a flat surface and gently transfer it to the pan. Avoid breaking the yolk unless you're going for a sunny-side up.
- Season simply: A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the flavor of the egg.
- Garnish for elegance: Chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a pop of color and freshness. Consider a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra richness.
- Use a spatula: A good spatula helps you gently lift and transfer the cooked egg without breaking the yolk.
How to serve Fried Eggs
Fried eggs are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve fried eggs:
- Toast: The quintessential pairing. Toast your bread of choice (sourdough, wheat, white) and top it with a fried egg for a simple yet satisfying breakfast.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Elevate your toast by building a breakfast sandwich. Layer your fried egg on toasted bread with cheese, bacon, sausage, or avocado for a protein-packed start to your day.
- Burgers: Fried eggs aren't just for breakfast! Elevate your burger by adding a fried egg on top for extra richness and a runny yolk that cascades down the patty.
- Salads: A fried egg adds richness and protein to a salad. Try it on a bed of greens with grilled chicken, crumbled feta, and a light vinaigrette.
More recipes to try
Check out these other breakfast recipes
Fried Egg Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 room temperature large eggs
- 2 tablespoon oil of choice
- 1 tablespoon water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a medium frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add in your cracked eggs.
- Once you see the egg whites are about 80% cooked and the edges are slightly browned, add in your water and cover.
- Depending on how you like your eggs, keep the eggs covered for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
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