Eggs are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in the culinary world. From a simple scramble to a gourmet omelet, there’s an egg dish for every palate. In this post, we’ll dive into the essential methods for cooking eight different types of eggs, ensuring that you achieve perfect results every time.
Sunny-Side Up Eggs
Sunny-side-up eggs are a breakfast classic loved for their runny yolk and golden appearance. To cook them, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a pat of butter or oil, crack the egg into the pan, and cook until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny. Covering the pan with a lid helps set the yolk without flipping.
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple known for their creamy texture. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Continuously stir with a spatula until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Achieving the perfect hard-boiled egg requires boiling eggs for a specific amount of time and then cooling them promptly. Place eggs in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and let them simmer for about 9-12 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
Soft-Boiled Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs are all about timing. Boil eggs for about 5-7 minutes, then plunge them into cold water to prevent further cooking. These eggs are perfect for dipping toast soldiers or adding a creamy touch to salads.
Poached Eggs
Poaching eggs may seem tricky, but with the right technique, you can achieve restaurant-worthy results. Add vinegar to a pot of gently simmering water, create a whirlpool, and carefully slide a cracked egg into the center. Allow the egg to poach for about 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk.
Over-Easy Eggs
Over-easy eggs are similar to sunny-side up but flipped to gently cook the yolk. After cooking the sunny-side up side, carefully flip the egg using a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. The yolk should be slightly runny.
Baked Eggs
Baked eggs, also known as shirred eggs, are a delightful way to serve eggs to a crowd. Crack eggs into individual ramekins, season, and bake in a preheated oven until the whites are set and the yolks are slightly runny.
Omelet
Omelets are a canvas for endless flavor combinations. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, pour into a heated non-stick skillet, and let them cook for a minute. Add fillings like cheese, vegetables, and meats to one half of the omelet, fold over the other half, and cook until the filling is heated and the eggs are fully set.
