Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fried eggs are incredibly easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and effort. They can be customized to your desired doneness and added to a variety of dishes like sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls. Plus, they are packed with protein, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Whether you prefer your yolk runny or firm, mastering the fried egg is a valuable kitchen skill.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Eggs
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Butter or oil for frying
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Salt
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Pepper
directions
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Heat a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat.
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Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan and allow it to melt and coat the surface.
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Crack the egg into a small bowl to ensure no shell fragments, then gently slide the egg into the skillet.
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Cook until the whites are set and the edges are crispy, about 2-3 minutes for sunny-side-up.
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For over-easy eggs, carefully flip the egg and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 1 person per egg and takes about 5 minutes to prepare and cook.
Variations
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Sunny-Side-Up: Cook without flipping for a runny yolk.
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Over-Easy: Flip and cook briefly for a lightly cooked yolk.
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Over-Medium: Flip and cook a bit longer for a partially set yolk.
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Over-Hard: Cook until yolk is fully firm.
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Flavor Boosts: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
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Butter vs. Oil: Butter adds rich flavor while oil can give a crispier edge.
storage/reheating
Fried eggs are best enjoyed fresh. However, if needed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the egg in a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid to gently warm through, or microwave for about 20-30 seconds, keeping a close eye to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
How do I prevent my fried eggs from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan and ensure the pan and fat are hot before adding the egg.
What’s the best fat to use for frying eggs?
Butter adds rich flavor while neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil can help achieve crispy edges.
How do I know when to flip my egg?
Flip the egg when the whites are mostly set but still a bit jiggly around the yolk if you are aiming for an over-easy egg.
Can I make fried eggs without flipping?
Yes, that’s called sunny-side-up. Simply cook the egg on one side until the whites are fully set.
How can I get crispy edges on my fried egg?
Use a slightly higher heat and make sure there’s enough fat in the pan to fry the edges.
Can I cook multiple eggs at once?
Yes, if your pan is large enough. Crack each egg into the pan separately to keep them from merging.
What’s the difference between sunny-side-up and over-easy eggs?
Sunny-side-up eggs are cooked on one side only, while over-easy eggs are gently flipped to lightly cook the other side.
Is it safe to eat runny yolks?
As long as the egg is fresh and properly handled, runny yolks are generally safe to eat for healthy individuals.
How can I season my fried egg?
Classic seasonings include salt and pepper. You can also add herbs, spices, or hot sauce for more flavor.
What dishes can I add a fried egg to?
Fried eggs are great on toast, burgers, grain bowls, salads, and even pizza.
Conclusion
A perfectly fried egg is a quick, easy, and versatile recipe that everyone should master. Whether you enjoy it with a runny yolk or cooked through, fried eggs can elevate your meal with minimal effort. Enjoy it on its own or as a delicious topping to add richness and flavor to a variety of dishes.
PrintFried Egg
A simple and delicious fried egg with crispy edges and a tender yolk, perfect for breakfast or as a topping for other dishes.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 egg
1 teaspoon butter or oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add butter or oil and allow it to melt and coat the surface.
- Crack the egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the skillet.
- Cook until the whites are set and edges are crispy, about 2-3 minutes for sunny-side-up.
- For over-easy, carefully flip the egg and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use butter for a rich flavor or oil for crispier edges.
- Cook on slightly higher heat for extra crispy edges.
- Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron to prevent sticking.
- Customize seasoning with herbs, spices, or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
