May 15, 2023

Omelette in a Bag Recipe

Making an omelette in a bag is a popular method for cooking eggs when camping or in situations where a stove or kitchen appliances may not be readily available. The idea is to mix the ingredients for an omelette in a zip-top plastic bag and then boil the bag in water until the eggs are cooked. It's all done with a minimal amount of fuss and dishes, and in buzz-generating style!

How it works

To make an omelette in a bag, you will need:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped vegetables, or cooked ham (optional)
  • A food-grade plastic bag, such as a sous vide bag
  • A large pot of boiling water

Here are the steps to make an omelette in a bag:

  1. Crack the eggs into the plastic bag and add the milk, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag tightly and shake it to mix the ingredients.
  2. Open the bag and add any desired add-ins, such as shredded cheese or chopped vegetables.
  3. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible.
  4. Carefully lower the bag into the pot of boiling water, ensuring that the bag is completely submerged. Use a spoon or tongs to keep the bag from touching the sides or bottom of the pot.
  5. Cook the eggs in the bag for 3-5 minutes, or until the eggs are set and cooked through.
  6. Remove the bag from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Carefully open the bag and slide the omelette onto a plate and enjoy!

Note: Be sure to use a food-grade plastic bag that is safe for cooking and specifically designed for high-temperature use, such as a sous vide bag. Do not use regular plastic bags or other types of plastic wrap for cooking as they may release harmful chemicals at high temperatures.

Is it safe to make an omelette in a bag?

Although making an omelette in a bag is quick and easy to do, there are several safety issues. When exposed to high temperatures, plastic bags run the risk of releasing toxins. When combined with food, these toxins can seep into your meal and contaminate it. The contents of the plastic bag may also leak if the bag is not sealed correctly, resulting in another risk of contamination.

If you decide to make an omelette in a bag, it is imperative that you use a food-grade bag made to resist high temperatures, such as a sous vide bag. Because food-grade bags are designed to prevent toxic chemicals from escaping at high-temperatures, you can safely use this bag to cook without running the risk of falling ill. AIso, to reduce the risk of contamination, make sure that whatever bag you use is tightly sealed and that the eggs are cooked sufficiently.

If you're unsure about the safety of this method, consider using a more conventional cooking method. We recommend this guide on how to cook an omelette.

Can you do omelette in a bag in a microwave?

While it’s possible to use a bag and microwave to cook an omelette, it’s not advised. Cooking eggs in the microwave can be challenging as the eggs can overcook or become rubbery. There is also a chance that the bag will burst or melt in the microwave.

If you really want to use a microwave to make an omelette in a bag, do the following to ensure that your eggs are safe to eat:

  • Use a food-safe, microwave-safe bag
  • Pay close attention to the manufacturer's directions 
  • Make any necessary adjustments to the cooking time and power level of the microwave 

Remember, cooking eggs in the microwave may not result in the same texture and flavour as traditional omelette cooking methods. If you have access to a stove or hot plate, it's generally recommended that you use that to make your omelette instead.

Can you make scrambled eggs in a bag? 

Yes, you can make scrambled eggs in a bag using a similar method as for an omelette in a bag:

  1. Crack 2-3 eggs into a food-grade plastic bag, such as a sous vide bag.
  2. Add any desired ingredients, such as milk, salt, pepper, shredded cheese, or chopped vegetables.
  3. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible.
  4. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients.
  5. Carefully lower the bag into a pot of boiling water, ensuring that the bag is completely submerged.
  6. Cook the eggs in the bag for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are set and cooked through.
  7. Remove the bag from the water and carefully open it. Use a fork or spatula to scramble the eggs inside the bag.
  8. Transfer the scrambled eggs onto a plate and enjoy!

Be sure to be mindful of the same safety concerns mentioned above and always use a well-sealed, food-grade bag that is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures.