How to Make a Fried Egg

Ingredients & Tools​

• 1–2 fresh eggs (room temperature works best)
• 1–2 tsp cooking oil (butter, olive oil, or avocado oil; butter adds rich flavor)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: herbs (chives, parsley), hot sauce, or cheese for extra flair
• Non-stick frying pan (8–10 inches)
• Spatula (preferably silicone or slotted for easy flipping)
• Plate (for serving)

​Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Heat​

1. Place the non-stick pan on the stove over medium heat. Let it warm up for 1–2 minutes—this prevents the egg from sticking and ensures even cooking.
2. Add 1 tsp of oil (or ½ tbsp butter) to the pan. Swirl gently to coat the surface evenly. If using butter, let it melt slowly (avoid burning it, as burnt butter can turn bitter).

​Step 2: Crack the Egg​

1. Crack the egg into a small bowl first (this helps check for shell fragments and makes pouring easier).
2. Tilt the bowl slightly and pour the egg gently into the center of the heated pan. Try to keep the yolk intact—no need to break it unless you want a “scrambled” texture!

​Step 3: Cook to Your Preference​

The key is controlling heat and timing. Here are common styles:

​Sunny-Side Up (Runny Yolk)​​

• Keep the heat at medium-low. Let the egg cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. The white will set around the edges, but the top stays slightly jiggly.
• For a crispier edge: After 1 minute, tilt the pan slightly and spoon hot oil over the white (not the yolk!) to help it cook through without overcooking the yolk.

​Over-Easy (Slightly Runny Yolk)​​

• Start with sunny-side up (2 minutes). Slide the spatula under the egg, then flip it gently (use slow, steady pressure to avoid breaking the yolk). Cook for 10–20 seconds more—just enough to set the top white.

​Over-Medium (Creamy Yolk)​​

• Flip the egg after 2 minutes (sunny-side up). Cook for 30–45 seconds, until the yolk is just set (it should still be soft but not runny when pierced).

​Over-Hard (Firm Yolk)​​

• Flip after 2 minutes, then cook for 1–2 minutes, flipping again if needed, until the yolk is fully cooked through (no runniness).

​Step 4: Season & Serve​

1. Use the spatula to lift the egg onto a plate. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, or your favorite toppings (e.g., chopped chives, a drizzle of hot sauce, or grated cheese).
2. Pair it with toast, avocado, bacon, or sautéed veggies for a complete meal!

​Pro Tips​

• Room-temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones (take them out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before cooking).
• Avoid high heat—it can burn the white while leaving the yolk raw. Medium-low is ideal for gentle cooking.
• A well-seasoned non-stick pan reduces the need for excess oil and prevents sticking.

Enjoy your homemade fried egg—simple, satisfying, and ready in minutes!