How do you fry the perfect egg?

Frying the Perfect Egg: A Guide

1. The Pan:

* Cast iron or non-stick: Choose a pan with a flat bottom and even heat distribution. Cast iron is ideal for crispy edges, while non-stick is great for effortless flipping.

* Size: Select a pan large enough to accommodate the number of eggs you're frying without crowding them.

* Heat: Medium heat is crucial for even cooking.

2. The Oil:

* Type: Choose a high-heat oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil.

* Amount: Just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

3. The Eggs:

* Freshness: Use fresh eggs for optimal results.

* Temperature: If you're using cold eggs, they'll cook a bit slower, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

4. The Technique:

* Crack: Gently crack the eggs into a separate bowl before transferring them to the pan. This prevents the yolk from breaking during transfer.

* Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to your liking.

* Cooking:

* Sunny-side Up: Gently place eggs in the hot oil, ensuring they don't touch. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny.

* Over Easy: Cook as for Sunny-side Up, then gently flip the eggs using a spatula. Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the yolk is set to your liking.

* Over Medium: Cook as for Over Easy, but cook for an additional 30-60 seconds, until the yolk is slightly firmer.

* Over Hard: Cook as for Over Medium, but cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the yolk is fully cooked.

* Flipping: Use a thin spatula to gently flip the eggs without breaking the yolks.

* Doneness: Cook to your desired level of doneness.

5. Tips:

* Reduce heat: If the edges of the eggs start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

* Use a spoon: For even cooking, gently spoon hot oil over the tops of the eggs while they cook.

* Add water: If the whites start to dry out before the yolks are set, add a splash of water to the pan to create steam and help cook the eggs evenly.

6. Serving:

* Toast: Serve your fried eggs on toasted bread for a classic breakfast.

* Sides: Pair your eggs with bacon, sausage, hash browns, or avocado.

* Spice it up: Add hot sauce, sriracha, or other toppings to your liking.

Experiment and find your perfect fried egg!