It doesn’t get more classic than over easy eggs for breakfast. The traditional dish is a staple for a reason, with its firm egg white and creamy, runny yolk. Here’s how to get a perfect over easy egg every single time.
Is there anyone who doesn’t love over easy eggs? The simple breakfast dish is always a winner. Even though the dish is so simple, it may be a little intimidating to make. As with many egg recipes, once you nail the technique though, they will quickly go in your breakfast rotation.
OVER EASY EGG RECIPE
Over easy eggs are not as complicated as poached, soft-boiled, or basted eggs, and fall in the category of scrambled, fried, and hard-boiled. Once you get the hang of cooking them, you’ll be so surprised at just how easy they are to make. Slicing into the firm white and seeing that perfectly runny yolk is always so delightful.
Over easy eggs are a great staple breakfast item to know how to cook. They are great on their own, next to a stack of silver dollar pancakes, or alongside a heaping pile of breakfast potatoes. They also pair well with savory dishes and are the perfect addition to sandwiches, grain bowls, or simple roasted veggies. However, my favorite combination is with a simple piece of buttered toast. There is nothing like using that hearty piece of bread to mop up all of the creamy yolk.
INGREDIENTS
- Eggs – any size will do.
- Butter or oil – Use around 1 tablespoon to grease the pan.
- Salt and pepper – the basic seasoning will elevate the taste of the dish.
HOW TO MAKE OVER EASY EGGS
1. PREPARE
Heat a large non-stick skillet with butter or oil over medium heat. Move the pan around, so the butter or oil completely covers the surface.
2. ADD THE EGGS TO THE PAN
Crack the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the pan. Cracking them in a smaller bowl will help them stay intact on the pan. Season with salt and pepper if using seasoning.
3. COOK THE EGGS
Let them cook in the pan until the whites are almost set. The edges should no longer be translucent and almost firm in texture, about 2-3 minutes. When they look ready, carefully use a wide spatula to flip the eggs. Continue to let them cook for about 30 seconds.
FAQ
WHAT KIND OF PAN SHOULD I USE TO COOK THE EGGS?
A non-stick pan will be your best friend when cooking to get that over easy texture. An 8 or 10-inch pan is a great size that will allow you to cook two at a time. Non-stick pans do not need a ton of butter or oil either, just a simple coating. Stay away from stainless steel pans as they are not so non-stick friendly when it comes to eggs.
HOW LONG SHOULD AN OVER EASY EGG COOK?
An over easy egg with a runny yolk should cook for about 3-4 minutes in total. Cook the egg for about 2-3 minutes until it sets and then once it is flipped, let it cook for no longer than 30 seconds. If you let it cook longer, you will end up with an over medium or over hard egg with a much firmer yolk.
WHEN DO YOU KNOW IT IS TIME TO FLIP THE EGG?
This is probably the most difficult part of cooking the eggs. Flip them too soon, and everything is undercooked. If you wait too long, you’ll end up with an over hard yolk. Look for the whites to be almost set when it is time to flip. The egg should look mostly white and not translucent like it was when it first hit the pan. It should also come up easily with the spatula. If you have to force it, let it cook a few seconds longer and give it another try.
MORE EGG RECIPES TO TRY
- Eggs Benedict Breakfast Sandwich
- Eggs Benedict
- Bacon and Egg Breakfast Cups
- Egg White Vegetable Frittata Recipe
Over Easy Eggs
Ingredients
- Eggs
- 1 tbsp Butter or oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick skillet with butter or oil over medium heat. Move the pan around, so the butter or oil completely covers the surface.
- Crack the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the pan. Cracking them in a smaller bowl will help them stay intact on the pan. Season with salt and pepper if using seasoning.
- Let them cook in the pan until the whites are almost set. The edges should no longer be translucent and almost firm in texture, about 2-3 minutes. When they look ready, carefully use a wide spatula to flip the eggs. Continue to let them cook for about 30 seconds.
