How to Cook the Perfect Egg in Every Style

Cooking eggs can be one of the most difficult yet rewarding kitchen skills to master. This breakfast staple can provide endless culinary options for any meal of the day. With a few simple steps and tips, you too can be a master of egg-cooking. Read on to learn how to cook the perfect egg, in every style.

Boiled Eggs

Boiling eggs is one of the simplest ways to cook them, yet still one of the most difficult to get just right. Follow these tips for boiled eggs cooked to perfection.

1. Pick the Right Egg: Larger eggs will be easier to peel and often provide more consistent results. Make sure to remove any eggs that are cracked or damaged.

2. Timing is Key: Using a timer will help ensure evenly cooked eggs. If slightly firm whites and solid yet soft yolks are your desired outcome, boil eggs for 7 to 10 minutes.

3. Prepare a Cold Water Bath: Once eggs are done boiling, immediately place them in an ice-cold water bath to stop the cooking process.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a popular and easy way to enjoy eggs for all ages. Here are some tips to make sure your next plate of scrambled eggs is light, fluffy and delicious.

1. Whisk Well: Whisk eggs thoroughly before pouring them into the pan. This will help create an evenly mixed, lighter texture.

2. Begin Over Low Heat: Begin scramble eggs over a low heat and heat the pan for a few minutes before adding eggs. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the pan.

3. Use Less Grease: When scrambling eggs with butter, a tablespoon should be plenty. Reduce the amount of fat used if you’re adding other ingredients to the eggs, such as cheese.

Omelets

Omelets are an excellent way to add some variety to your next breakfast. Follow our tips to make sure you get the perfect omelet each and every time.

1. Prep the Filling: Make sure the omelet filling is prepped before adding it to the egg mixture. This can be anything from vegetables to cheese.

2. Heat to Perfection: Heat the pan to medium heat before adding the eggs. Be sure to adjust the heat accordingly to ensure the eggs cook evenly.

3. Flip & Fold: Use a spatula to fold the omelet in half, then flip it to the other side. This will help to create a smooth and even texture.

Fried Eggs

Fried eggs are a delicious traditional egg dish that is easy to make. Mastering them takes practice, but with the right technique you’ll be churning out perfect fried eggs in no time.

1. Use the Right Pan: A non-stick pan works best for fried eggs, as it reduces the risk of the egg sticking to the pan.

2. Keep the Heat Low: Just like omelets, keep the heat on medium-low when frying eggs. This will ensure the whites cook all the way through, while the yolks stay soft and runny.

3. Flip & Fry: For over-easy fried eggs, flip the egg over with a spatula and fry it for just a few seconds on the other side.

Poached Eggs

Poached eggs may seem intimidating, but they are actually one of the easiest egg-cooking techniques. Just make sure you follow these tips to get them right.

1. Simmer the Water: Make sure the water is at a gentle simmer with some added white vinegar before adding the eggs. This will help keep the whites together.

2. Crack the Eggs in Separate Dishes: Crack each egg in to its own bowl or larger-rimmed cup before dropping it in to the water.

3. Pour from the Side of the Pot: Lower the eggs in to the water from the side, as opposed to pouring them directly in to the center of the pot.

Baked Eggs

Baked eggs are a great way to make a big batch of eggs to serve more people at once.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350-375°F before adding the eggs.

2. Grease the Tins: Grease each tin with some butter, margarine or oil of your choice before adding the eggs and other ingredients.

3. Bake ‘Til Done: Depending on whether you like your yolks cooked all the way through or still runny, bake the eggs for between 10-15 minutes.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for cooking eggs – boiled, scrambled, fried, omelet and baked. With a few simple tips and tricks, you too can make the perfect egg at home no matter what style you’re going for. So go ahead and try your hand at all five styles of cooking eggs and soon you’ll be impressing the whole family with your egg-cooking skills. Bon appétit!