To cook an egg on the stove, you typically heat a pan, add fat, and then crack the egg into the pan, cooking it to your desired level of yolk doneness, which may involve flipping it.
Cooking eggs on the stove is a fundamental kitchen skill with several popular methods, resulting in different textures for the yolk and white. The basic process involves using a frying pan over heat.
Sunny-Side Up
This is perhaps the simplest method, requiring no flipping.
- Process: You crack the egg into the frying pan and cook until the whites are set and the yolk is still liquid.
- Result: A fully cooked white with a completely runny yolk. The egg is served with the yolk facing upwards.
Over Easy, Over Medium, or Over Hard
These methods involve cooking the egg on both sides to set the yolk to varying degrees.
- Process: For over easy, over medium, or over hard, cook the egg until the whites are 50-75% set, then flip the egg and continue cooking on the second side until the yolk is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Flipping: Use a spatula to carefully flip the egg once the bottom side is mostly set but the yolk is still liquid.
- Second Side Cooking Time: The time on the second side determines the yolk's final consistency.
Here's a general guideline for cooking times on the second side after flipping:
| Doneness | Second Side Cooking Time (Approx.) | Yolk Consistency |
|---|---|---|
| Over Easy | 30 seconds to 1 minute | Mostly liquid, slightly warm |
| Over Medium | 1 to 2 minutes | Partially set, slightly runny |
| Over Hard | 2 to 3 minutes (or longer) | Fully set, solid |
Practical Tips for Stove-Top Eggs
- Pan: Use a non-stick frying pan for easiest cooking and cleanup.
- Fat: Always add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan before cracking the egg to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Heat: Cook eggs over medium to medium-low heat for better control and to prevent the edges from burning before the rest of the egg is cooked.
- Covering (Optional): For sunny-side up or slightly set yolks without flipping, you can sometimes cover the pan for the last minute of cooking. The steam helps set the top of the egg white and warms the yolk.
- Seasoning: Season the egg with salt and pepper while or after it cooks.
By following these steps, you can easily cook delicious eggs on your stove top using various techniques.
