The Different Ways to Cook Eggs: From Soft-Boiled to Baked

Eggs are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways. Whether you prefer them scrambled, fried, poached, or baked, there are endless possibilities for incorporating eggs into your meals. In this article, we'll explore various ways to cook eggs, including some classic techniques and some unique recipes.

Table of contents

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are a classic breakfast food that can be enjoyed in many ways. Soft-boiled eggs have a runny yolk and a set white, while hard-boiled eggs have a fully cooked yolk and white. Here's how to make both:

How to cook Soft-Boiled Eggs

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Gently add the eggs to the boiling water with a slotted spoon.
3. Cook for 5-6 minutes for a runny yolk.
4. Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Peel the eggs and serve immediately.

How to cook Hard-Boiled Eggs

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Gently add the eggs to the boiling water with a slotted spoon.
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes for a fully cooked yolk and white.
4. Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Peel the eggs and serve immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for later use.

Fried Eggs

Fried eggs are another classic breakfast dish that can be cooked in many ways. Here are two of the most popular methods:

How to cook Sunny-Side Up

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan.
3. Crack an egg into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the white is set and the yolk is still runny.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

How to cook Over Easy

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan.
3. Crack an egg into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the white is set on the bottom and the edges are crispy.
4. Using a spatula, carefully flip the egg over and cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute, depending on how runny you want the yolk to be.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are a popular breakfast dish that can be served on their own or as part of a more substantial meal, such as eggs benedict. Here's how to make poached eggs:

 

How to cook Classic Poached Eggs

1. Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Add a splash of white vinegar to the water to help the egg whites set.
3. Crack an egg into a small bowl or ramekin.
4. Using a slotted spoon, create a gentle whirlpool in the water and carefully slide the egg into the center.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
6. Using the slotted spoon, carefully remove the egg from the water and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess water.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately. 

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a quick and easy breakfast dish that can be made in minutes. Here's how to make classic scrambled eggs:

How to cook Classic Scrambled Eggs

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork or whisk.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and let it melt.
4. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and let them cook for 30 seconds to a minute or until the edges start to set.
5. Using a spatula, gently push the eggs from the edges to the center of the pan, allowing the uncooked eggs to flow to the edges.
6. Continue to cook the eggs, gently stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked but still moist and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Omelettes

#Omelettes are a classic breakfast dish that can be customized with your favourite fillings. Here's how to make a classic French-style omelette:

How to cook Classic French-Style Omelette

1. Crack two eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork or whisk.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and let it melt.
4. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and let them cook for 30 seconds to a minute or until the edges start to set.
5. Using a spatula, gently lift the edges of the omelette and let the uncooked eggs flow underneath.
6. When the eggs are almost set but still moist, add your fillings to one side of the omelette.
7. Using the spatula, gently fold the other side of the omelette over the fillings to create a half-moon shape.
8. Slide the omelette onto a plate and serve immediately.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern breakfast dish with eggs cooked in a flavourful tomato sauce. Here's how to make shakshuka:

How to cook Shakshuka

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
3. Add one chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Add two cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
5. Add one can of diced tomatoes and one tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan and stir to combine.
6. Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
8. Using a spoon, make small wells in the sauce and crack one egg into each well.
9. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook for 5-7 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
10. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, on the shakshuka.
11. Serve hot with crusty bread or pita.

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that features eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and served on tortillas. Here's how to make a classic Huevos Rancheros:

How to cook Huevos Rancheros

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
3. Add one chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Add two cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
5. Add one can of diced tomatoes and one tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan and stir to combine.
6. Add one teaspoon of chilli powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pan and combine.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
8. Using a spoon, make small wells in the sauce and crack one egg into each well.
9. Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
10. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook for 5-7 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
11. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or oven.
12. Serve the eggs and sauce over the warm tortillas, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley.

FAQ

Q: Are raw eggs safe to eat?
A: Raw or undercooked eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. It's important to cook eggs thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness.

Q: Can I freeze cooked eggs?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked eggs. However, removing the yolks from the whites before freezing is best, as the texture can become rubbery when thawed. Store the cooked egg whites and yolks separately in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Q: How can I tell if an egg is fresh?
A: The freshness of an egg can be determined by placing it in a bowl of water. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom and lay flat, while an older egg will stand upright or float.

Conclusion

Eggs are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways. From classic breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs and omelettes to unique recipes like shakshuka and huevos rancheros, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer boiled, fried, poached, or baked eggs, there are endless possibilities for incorporating eggs into your meals. So get cracking and try some of these ways to cook eggs today!