Essential Cooking Tips for Perfect Eggs Every Time

Eggs are a versatile and nutritious staple in many kitchens, but mastering their preparation can elevate your culinary skills. Here are some essential tips and techniques that can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

Scrambled Eggs

For soft, creamy scrambled eggs, start by whisking your eggs thoroughly. A splash of milk or cream adds richness. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and add a knob of butter. Pour in the eggs and let them sit for a moment before gently stirring with a spatula. Stir continuously to form soft curds and remove from the heat just before they fully set, as they will continue cooking from residual heat.

 

Fried Eggs

Fried eggs can be cooked sunny-side up, over-easy, over-medium, or over-hard. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Crack the egg into a bowl first to avoid shell fragments, then slide it into the pan. For sunny-side up, cook until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny. For over-easy, flip the egg and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Adjust cooking time for firmer yolks as desired.

 

Poached Eggs

Perfect poached eggs require fresh eggs and a gentle touch. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and add a tablespoon of vinegar to help the whites set. Crack the egg into a small bowl. Stir the water to create a whirlpool, then gently pour the egg into the centre. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set and the yolk remains runny. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg and drain on a paper towel.

 

Boiled Eggs

For boiled eggs, place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 4-6 minutes; for hard-boiled eggs, cook for 9-12 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.

 

Master these techniques to enjoy eggs in a variety of delicious ways and elevate every meal of the day with an egg as an add on or to enrich your recipe.