5 Essential Egg Cooking Methods to Transform Your Meals

Eggs contain 6 grams of protein and 13 additional nutrients for just 70 calories, making them a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal.

These five essential cooking methods cater to various preferences while ensuring a healthy meal. Read this blog to perfect your egg-cooking skills!

1. Fried eggs

Fried eggs are the go-to for diner-like breakfasts at home. They’re also an easy way to boost your meals with additional protein and nutrients simply by adding a fried egg. 

There are four basic styles of fried eggs:

• Sunny-side-up: The egg is fried on one side only.

• Over-easy: The egg is cooked on both sides, and the yolk is still runny.

• Over-medium: The egg is cooked on both sides, and the yolk is slightly runny.

• Over-hard: The egg is cooked on both sides, and the yolk is hard.

Directions

Start by heating a frying pan over medium heat and coating it with your choice of cooking spray, butter, or oil.

Crack an egg into a bowl and gently drop the egg into the pan. You can season it lightly with salt and pepper if you like.

Let the egg cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the white is set and the edges curl. If making sunny-side-up eggs, simply slide the egg onto a plate. Use a spatula to flip the egg over gently if you prefer over-easy, over-medium, or over-well eggs. Make sure the spatula is under the yolk to avoid breaking it.

Cook additionally for your desired doneness:

• Over-easy: Cook for 30 seconds.

• Over-medium: Cook for 1 minute.

• Over-hard: Cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Slide the finished egg onto your plate. 

2. Scrambled eggs

Arguably one of the most popular breakfast staples, scrambled eggs appeal to those who prefer loosely cooked or well-done eggs. Eggs can be customized with endless toppings and paired with toast, veggies, and other breakfast meats.

Directions

In a bowl, crack two eggs and whisk them with milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Heat a pan on medium heat and grease it with cooking spray, oil, or butter. Transfer the eggs to the pan and lower the heat to medium-low. 

Gently move the eggs around with a spatula, creating soft curds. For smaller curds, stir more frequently. For larger curds, let the eggs set a little longer. Continue stirring until the eggs are no longer wet. Remove the eggs from the pan immediately and serve.

3. Omelette

The omelette is a versatile and affordable dish perfect for any meal. Although there are many regional variations, the classic French omelette is the most commonly known. It's characterized by its slightly browned exterior, creamy interior, and customizable fillings.

Directions

Beat the eggs, water, salt and pepper well using a whisk or fork. Heat a pan on medium-high heat and coat it with cooking spray, butter, or oil.

Once the pan is hot, pour in the egg mixture. As it begins to set around the edges, gently push the cooked portions towards the center with a spatula. Tilt and rotate the pan to let the uncooked egg flow into the empty spaces. Add your fillings when the egg's surface looks moist but doesn't move when the pan is jiggled. 

Use a spatula to fold the omelette in half. Let the bottom of the omelette brown slightly. Then, slide the omelette onto a place and pour any leftover filling on the omelette.

4. Hard (or soft)-cooked eggs

Hard-cooked eggs can be enjoyed on their own or used in various dishes like sandwiches and salads. The key to perfect hard-cooked eggs is to avoid overcooking, which can cause a grey ring around the yolk and a rubbery texture.

Directions

Believe it or not, cooking hard-cooked eggs is surprisingly simple. Start by placing the eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a pot and covering them with cold water, ensuring they're an inch higher than the eggs. Then, cover the pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Once the water boils, remove the pot from the heat and let stand, covered:

• Soft-cooked: 6 to 8 minutes.

• Medium-cooked: 11 to 12 minutes.

• Hard-cooked: 18 to 23 minutes.

When the time is up, remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and place them in an ice bath to stop them from cooking further.

5. Poached eggs

Poached eggs are often considered hard to cook, but with some practice, they can be a simple way to elevate a salad or breakfast. We love poached eggs for adding a touch of elegance, protein and nutrients to any dish! 

Directions

Fill a pot with 3 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, crack each egg into its small bowl to be ready once the water is ready. Carefully lower each egg into the simmering water. 

Use a spoon to move the water around the eggs while they cook gently:

• Soft-cooked: 3 minutes.

• Hard-cooked: 5 - 7 minutes

When the eggs are cooked to your liking, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to dry. Then, serve!