How To Fry An Egg: the easy and quick recipe for making a perfect fried egg

We love eggs in any possible way. They're perfect when cooked or poached for breakfast, or even scrambled eggs and omelets, but nothing beats fried eggs. Whether they are the main ingredient of the dish or just another component, they always give an incredible flavor to the recipe. There are some simple tips and tricks to follow to get the best result. With a runny or set yolk, cooked with more or less oil… there are many details to choose from. Let's find out how to make a perfect fried egg easily and quickly step by step. Finally, don't forget to use the fried egg to add a final touch to another dish or dip bread in the yolk.

The best pan for Fried Eggs

To fry eggs, it is best to have a non-stick frying pan that does not stick to anything and a spatula. If your frying pan has a non-stick coating, you should use a non-metallic spatula to avoid scratching it. Moreover, you can use just one pan for an egg or a larger one for frying several eggs at once.

Butter or Oil for Fried Eggs?

When you fry eggs you can choose between butter and oil as the fat ingredient. Butter is a classic choice, but olive oil is very appreciated by most, especially if you like the famous dot around. Be sure to pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by a few millimeters or to put more oil so that when the egg is cooked the oil covers it on top.

But how hot should the oil be? The theory says that about 120ºC, so if you have a cooking thermometer you can measure it and when it reaches that temperature, low the heat and add the egg. In any case, the oil should be very hot but not smoking.

How long should you Fry Eggs?

If you want a runny yolk, do not cook the egg too long, 1 minute or 2 may be enough.

If you like a set yolk you can also add oil to it or simply cook it longer, but always being careful not to burn it underneath. In this case, low the heat so that it cooks slowly.

Sunny-side Up Eggs

There are several types of fried eggs and the sunny side-up is one of them. It is known in this way because of the very bright yolk on top. Just cook it covered for a few minutes on a medium heat without flipping it. The steam will be trapped inside the pan, so you'll have just enough time for the egg white to set. If you don't have a lid, you can use the bottom of another pan.

Over-Easy Eggs

Over-easy egg is the perfect way to enjoy a very runny yolk. Cook the egg for a couple of minutes over medium heat, long enough for the egg to set as much as it needs to flip it over and finish cooking for a few moments.

Over-Medium Eggs

Who loves soft-boiled eggs must try this cooking method. The over-medium eggs are cooked on both sides for just a few minutes, just long enough for the outside to thicken and leave the yolk liquid.

Over-Hard Eggs

For all hard-boiled egg supporters, try the over-hard eggs. You need to fully cook the egg for about 2 minutes on the side over medium-low heat. Eggs will turn out well cooked and with a firm yolk.

How to use Fried Eggs

You don't need to wait to start eating a fried egg that has just come out of the frying pan. You can eat them as they are by dipping a bread slice. Customize this basic recipe by adding salt and your favorite herbs or spices such as black pepper or sweet paprika powder.

Fried eggs essentially go with just about everything. You can also serve them on a sandwich or a burger. You can also add them to your traditional English breakfast.

How to Fry an Egg

Pour 1 tbsp of oil into the pan and heat it on a low flame for one minute.

In a small bowl, break the eggs one at a time.

Add the eggs into the pan and cover with a lid.

Cook the eggs for up to 2 minutes for sunny-side up eggs. If you want to make over-hard eggs, cook them for an extra minute, then flip them and wait until the egg has set as much as you like.

Remove the lid and serve the fried eggs in a plate using a spatula. Season to taste and enjoy!

Notes

Eggs should be very fresh and at room temperature, so if you have them in the fridge, you should take them out 1 or 2 hours before. Be sure about freshness and test if your eggs are off.