Hey there, fellow foodies! Chef Yolko here, and today we're diving into the wonderful world of eggs! These little nutritional powerhouses are a staple in many kitchens, but sometimes, getting them just right can feel like a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re aiming for a delightful breakfast, a protein-packed lunch, or even a show-stopping dessert, mastering egg cookery is key.
But fear not, my friends! I’m here to guide you through the three most popular ways to cook eggs, ensuring you achieve perfection every single time. We’ll cover the classic pan-fried, the delicate poached, and the ever-reliable boiled egg. Plus, we’ll focus on healthy cooking methods so you can enjoy eggs as part of a nutritious and balanced diet. And for planning meals around these protein packed wonders, make sure you check out the Menuistia App which allows for custom recipe creation and meal planning so you can incorporate all your favourite healthy meals with ease.
Method 1: The Sunny-Side Up Sensation (and Over-Easy Magic!)
Let's start with the frying pan – a simple yet versatile tool. For those mornings when you crave a bit of sunshine on your plate, the sunny-side-up egg is a perfect choice.
Sunny-Side Up:
- Heat it up: Over medium heat, melt a tiny knob of butter or add a splash of your favourite healthy oil to a non-stick frying pan. A non-stick pan really is your best friend here as it reduces the need for extra oil and makes for a perfect healthy egg every time. (Stainless steel or cast iron works too, but non-stick is the winner).
- Crack it open: Gently crack an egg into a bowl or saucer. This helps prevent any stray shell pieces from sneaking into your meal.
- Slide and cook: Carefully slide the egg into the pan. Cook until the whites are completely solid, about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to have a firm white and a still-runny yolk. If the heat is too high you can scorch the egg, so keep it nice and medium.
- Baste if needed: If the whites are taking a while to cook, tilt the pan and baste hot butter over the top of the egg whites. This adds a little flavour and speeds up the cooking process.
Over-Easy:
- Follow steps 1-3 as for sunny-side up, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip it: Gently flip the egg over using a spatula, and cook for another minute or two. This way, the yolk is still runny, but both sides of the egg are cooked. Remember, the key to a good over-easy is a runny yolk so don’t cook it too long!
Method 2: Boiling for a Perfect Peel
Boiling an egg may seem basic, but there are some simple tricks to ensuring the perfect peel and preventing the dreaded green ring around the yolk.
- Older eggs are best: For easier peeling, use eggs that are at least 3-5 days old. The fresher the egg, the harder it will be to peel!
- Room temperature start: Take your eggs out of the fridge to bring them to room temperature. This helps prevent cracking during cooking.
- Single layer: Gently place eggs in a single layer in a pan. Cover completely with cold water.
- Bring to a boil: Over high heat, bring the water to a rapid boil. Then, remove the pan from the heat, cover with a tight lid and let it sit.
- Timing is key: For a hard-boiled egg, let it sit covered for 17 minutes. For a medium cooked yolk leave covered for 6 minutes. If you like a soft yolk only leave it covered for 4-5 minutes
- Cold water bath: Immediately transfer eggs to a bowl of cold water. This stops the cooking process.
- Cool and peel: Let the eggs sit in the cold water for at least 10 minutes before peeling. Add ice to the water for the fastest cooling, and easiest peeling.
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Important timings for different sized eggs
- Medium Eggs:
- Soft Yolk: 3 minutes
- Medium Yolk: 5 minutes
- Hard Yolk: 12 minutes
- Extra Large Eggs:
- Soft Yolk: 5 minutes
- Medium Yolk: 8 minutes
- Hard Yolk: 28 minutes
- Medium Eggs:
Method 3: The Elegant Poach
Poaching is perhaps the trickiest of the three, but with a little practice, you'll be making restaurant-quality eggs at home in no time.
- Fresh eggs needed: Use the freshest eggs possible, as they hold together best during poaching.
- Deep pan and water: Use a deep pan (at least 3 inches) and fill with water until almost boiling, there should be small bubbles forming on the bottom but the water must NOT be boiling.
- Vinegar magic: A little distilled vinegar added to the water helps the egg whites stay together. Don’t worry you will not taste this.
- Whirlpool and slide: Break an egg into a small bowl or saucer. Turn the heat off immediately. Create a gentle whirlpool in the water and carefully slide the egg into the middle. This will help it wrap around itself.
- Cover and cook: Put the lid on for about 3 minutes (longer if you like firmer yolks). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
- Egg mold: If you're after that perfect shape, you can use an egg-poaching mold.
So there you have it, folks! Three ways to cook eggs to perfection. Experiment with your timings to find your perfect yolk consistency, and don't forget to get creative and incorporate them into all your favourite healthy meals. Remember for all your meal planning needs, Menuistia is your friend, helping you discover new ways to use eggs and other super nutritious ingredients in your daily cooking. Happy cooking, and remember to always make time to enjoy a fantastic meal!