How to Fry an Egg

Get recipe: Bacon & Egg Topped Chilaquiles

A fried egg is tasty and versatile enough to stand on its own, add to a sandwich, or rest atop another dish. Whether you’re making a Florentine Egg Sandwich, a Fried Egg Mac & Cheese, or an Over Easy Cheesy BLT there’s no wrong way to serve a fried egg because it’s based on personal preference. Read more to learn how to fry an egg in a few simple steps.

How to Fry an Egg: What You Need

There are only a couple tools you’ll need for frying an egg: a small skillet, and a spatula. Most skillets will do, though stainless steel and enamel skillets require a little extra elbow grease to clean afterward, unless you use butter or nonstick spray before frying your egg.

Your essential ingredients are as simple as your tools: eggs and butter. That’s it. However, you can add extra flavor to your fried egg with salt, pepper, cheese and other garnishes.

How to Fry an Egg: Instructions

1. Heat 2 teaspoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Break eggs separately into a custard cup or small bowl, so if a yolk breaks, you can manage it before it gets into the pan.
3. Slip eggs into pan one at a time.
4. Reduce heat to low.
5. Cook slowly until whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken. The whites are set when they’re solidified into a prominent white color – this takes about five minutes – and the yolks can be removed either as soon as they thicken or, depending on your preference, until they’re fully cooked.
6. Remove from heat and add them to a sandwich, atop another dish or enjoy them as is.

How to Fry and Egg: Final Tips

Learning how to fry an egg is a skill that you can use again and again, and it’s an easy way to start your day off right. You can also get creative with textures and flavors by adding shredded cheese or other toppings.

or more information on cooking eggs, check out our tips for How to Make Scrambled Eggs, and How to Hard Boil Eggs.

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