Fried eggs are a breakfast staple in many homes. However, many are yet to master the art of making perfect egg-based dishes. Worse still, others have no idea that there’s such a thing as “perfectly made eggs.”
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Unfortunately, this makes it even more challenging. But we’re here to crack some secrets of perfect fried eggs, beginning with the common errors egg lovers make when preparing their favorite dish.
Common Mistakes Egg Cooks Make
Never fail into the error of using too much heat to cook your eggs. Another common mistake you should beware of is skipping essential steps like cracking eggs into a bowl first.
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Understanding these pitfalls will help you appreciate the hacks below and avoid the usual errors that lead to less-than-perfect results.
1. Make Non-Stick Pan Your Friend
The key to perfect fried eggs starts with the right pan—a non-stick skillet. While any pan can make you fried eggs, only a non-stick skillet will ensure that your eggs slide out effortlessly without sticking.
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It also makes cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your breakfast.
2. Fresh Eggs! Fresh Eggs!! Fresh Eggs!!!
If you care about everything else but the freshness of your eggs, listen up! Fresh eggs are essential for the best fried eggs. They have firmer whites and brighter yolks, which makes them easier to cook and tastier to eat.
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To determine the freshness of your eggs, check the date on the carton and choose the ones with the most recent date.
3. Medium-Low Temperature is Key
Cooking your eggs at the right temperature is more important than you think. Medium-low heat is ideal for frying eggs. This allows the white to cook thoroughly without burning while keeping the yolk perfectly runny or set to your preference.
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Cooking at this temperature might require a little more cooking time but who cares? Anything to relish the taste of perfectly-made eggs, right?
4. Butter or Oil?
The choice between butter and oil depends on your taste and dietary preferences. Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor, while oil can provide a higher smoke point.
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For a balanced approach, try a mix of both. Heat the fat until it’s just shimmering before adding your eggs. This way, you will get a good mixture of both.
5. Crack Eggs into a Bowl
There’s no point trying to appear like a professional; cracking eggs directly into a pan can lead to broken yolks and shells in your eggs. Instead, crack them into a bowl first.
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This gives you better control and makes it easier to spot and remove any rogue shell pieces before they hit the pan.
6. Cook with a Lid
Covering the pan while frying your eggs may not be common but it helps to cook whites evenly without overcooking the yolk. This trick traps heat and steam, ensuring perfectly set whites and a yolk that’s done to your liking.
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Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You wouldn’t want to assume this trick didn’t give a good result.
7. Add Water for Soft, Silky Whites
If you’ve ever had fried eggs from a very good restaurant, you might have noticed the soft, silky whites. They achieve it by adding a tablespoon of water to the pan and covering it immediately.
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The steam created by the water helps cook the white more gently, resulting in a softer texture. This hack is best for those who love their whites silky smooth.
8. Season on Time
This may sound a bit weird, but season your eggs immediately after they hit the pan. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper go a long way in enhancing the natural flavor of the eggs.
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If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding spices like paprika or herbs like chives for a gourmet touch.
9. Baste for Extra Flavor
If you want your eggs to have extra flavor and a richer taste, try butter basting. As your eggs cook, tilt the pan slightly. Then, use a spoon to pour the hot butter over the whites and yolks.
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This technique adds rich flavor and helps cook the top of the egg without flipping it.
10. Flip with Confidence
Flipping eggs can be daunting, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. Simply use a thin, flexible spatula to gently slide under the egg, ensuring it’s fully loosened from the pan.
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If you did everything right from the beginning, it should be loosened. Finally, flip it quickly and confidently to cook the other side to your desired doneness.
