What Are Over Easy Eggs And How To Make Them
Over-easy eggs are my husband’s favorite. These pesky eggs were tricky to learn to make and quite frankly it took a lot of mistakes to get them right. The good news is that once you master over easy eggs also called sunny side-up eggs you can enjoy the runny yolk goodness anytime you want.
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish, try making over easy eggs with the tips and techniques outlined in this post. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different side dishes and ingredients to find your perfect combination. With practice, you’ll be able to make over easy eggs like a pro and impress your friends and family.
What are over-easy eggs
Over easy eggs are a way of cooking fried eggs in which the egg whites are cooked until set, while the yolk remains runny. To make over easy eggs, the eggs are cracked into a hot, greased frying pan and cooked until the whites are just set. Then, using a spatula, the eggs are carefully flipped over to cook the other side for a few seconds until the whites are cooked but the yolk remains runny.
The term “over easy” refers to the fact that the yolk is still liquid, and can be easily broken with a fork or toast. This style of eggs is often used in breakfast dishes, such as sandwiches or as a side with bacon, toast, or hash browns. You can make over easy eggs with all types of eggs.
Why are over easy eggs hard to make?
Over easy eggs can be challenging to make for a few reasons:
Timing: Cooking over easy eggs requires precise timing. If the eggs are not flipped at the right time, the yolk may break, or the egg may overcook and become hard.
Flipping: Flipping the eggs without breaking the yolk can be tricky. It requires a gentle touch and a good spatula. If the yolk breaks, it will not be over easy.
Heat: Cooking over easy eggs requires a hot pan, but not too hot. If the pan is too hot, the eggs will cook too quickly and become hard before the whites are set.
Experience: Like many cooking skills, making over easy eggs takes practice. It can be challenging to get the timing, heat, and flipping just right, especially if you are new to cooking.
While over easy eggs can be difficult to make, with practice and patience, anyone can learn to make them perfectly.
Tips for making over easy eggs easier
Here are some tips that can make it easier to make over easy eggs:
Use the right pan: Typically non-stick pan can make it easier to flip the eggs without breaking the yolk, and can also help prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan. I like to use a mini cast iron pan for over-easy eggs. I top with a lid that is far too big to help get an even cook but find that these mini cast iron pans with plenty of oil, butter, or bacon grease gets the job done the best. Before this I could never get the perfect over easy eggs for my husband.
Use low heat: Cooking the eggs on low heat can help prevent the whites from overcooking while the yolk is still runny. This gives you more time to flip the eggs without worrying about overcooking them.
Use a small pan: A smaller pan can make it easier to control the heat and flip the eggs. This is especially true if you are new to cooking over easy eggs.
Add a little water: Adding a small amount of water to the pan before cooking the eggs can create steam that helps cook the top of the egg without flipping it.
Use a lid: Covering the pan with a lid while cooking the eggs can help the heat circulate around the egg, cooking the top without flipping it.
Be patient: It’s important not to rush the process of cooking over easy eggs. Take your time and wait until the whites are set before flipping the eggs.
Use fresher eggs: While you can store eggs for quite some time the longer they sit the less firm the yolks get and the harder it is to make the perfect sunny-side-up eggs.
By following these tips, you can make it easier to cook over easy eggs and achieve the perfect balance of runny yolk and cooked whites.
How to make over easy eggs
:: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, you can use a regular pan, but make sure to add some oil or butter to prevent the eggs from sticking.
:: Once the pan is heated, crack an egg into the pan.
:: Let the egg cook until the whites are set, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You can tell that the whites are set when they are no longer transparent and have turned white.
:: Using a spatula, carefully flip the egg over. If you’re new to this, it’s a good idea to practice with a non-stick pan first. If you’re using a regular pan, you may need to use a bit more oil or butter to help the egg slide out of the pan.
:: Let the egg cook for an additional 20-30 seconds on the other side, just until the whites are cooked but the yolk is still runny.
:: Carefully remove the egg from the pan with the spatula and place it on a plate.
:: Repeat the process with additional eggs if you want to make more than one.
:: Serve the over easy eggs hot, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
That’s it! With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of making over easy eggs in no time.
What to serve with over easy eggs
Over easy eggs can be served in a variety of ways, and they make a great addition to many breakfast dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with over easy eggs:
Toast: Toast is a classic accompaniment to eggs, and it’s a great way to soak up the runny yolk.
Bacon or sausage: Bacon or sausage pairs well with eggs and adds some protein to your meal.
Hash browns: Crispy hash browns are a great side dish for eggs and add some texture to your meal.
Avocado: Sliced avocado is a healthy and delicious addition to eggs.
Tomato: Sliced tomatoes are a refreshing side dish that pairs well with eggs.
Vegetables: You can also serve eggs with sautéed or roasted vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
English muffins: English muffins are a great alternative to toast and can be used to make a breakfast sandwich with eggs and bacon or sausage.
Over easy eggs are a delicious breakfast dish that can be challenging to make. However, with practice and patience, anyone can master the technique of cooking over easy eggs perfectly. By using the right equipment, heat, and timing, you can achieve the perfect balance of runny yolk and cooked whites.
