For centuries, eggs have been a dietary staple. Not only do eggs themselves provide much-needed nourishment and key nutrients, but they also play a crucial role in baking and cooking. Anyone who is interested in developing their culinary skills would benefit from a strong foundational knowledge of all the different methods for cooking eggs.
Boiling Eggs
Boiling eggs is one of the simplest ways to cook eggs, and this cooking technique is used when preparing a variety of dishes. While the process of boiling eggs is relatively simple, there is an art to it. Depending on the preferences of the person who will be eating the eggs or the requirements for the dish, you may need to cook soft-boiled eggs or hard-boiled eggs. There is a distinct difference between the two:
Soft-Boiled Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs are a softer, creamier version of hard-boiled eggs. The yolks are less firm, and depending on how long you boil the eggs, there may be some runny yolk in the interior. According to Tasting Table, the best way to cook soft-boiled eggs is to boil a pot of water and then place the eggs into the water as soon as it begins to bubble. Leave the eggs submerged in water for about five minutes, then remove. You should not boil the eggs for any longer than eight minutes, as that may make the yolk too firm.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are defined by their firm, yellow yolks — but according to The New York Times columnist J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, the perfect hard-boiled egg is still tender throughout the white and yolk. To cook a hard-boiled egg that peels easily and remains tender, Lopez-Alt recommends steaming the eggs. To do this, bring about one inch of water to a boil on the stovetop. Once the water is boiling, place the eggs into the water and cover the pot. Turn off the heat source, and allow the eggs to steam for about 10 to 12 minutes. However, there exist numerous variations of cooking hard-boiled eggs that differ slightly depending on individual preferences.
Frying Eggs
Frying is another common and popular cooking technique for eggs. A fried egg may be enjoyed on its own, or other people prefer to top it with cheese and make a sandwich out of it. There are several different ways to fry an egg — but regardless of the cooking technique you use for frying eggs, Felicity Cloake of The Guardian notes that choosing the right cooking fat is essential. Olive oil is one of the most popular options, but butter also works well.
Sunny-Side-Up Eggs
Sunny-side-up eggs are only fried on one side and never flipped over to the other side. The sunny-side-up egg is fully cooked when the egg white is set, but the yolk remains runny in the center. Sunny side-up eggs are a favorite breakfast staple, with many people enjoying them with a side of toast that they dip into the yolk.
Over-Easy or Over-Hard Eggs
When it comes to the particulars of how people like their fried eggs, preferences may range from an over-easy egg (one in which the yolk remains runny) to an over-hard egg — which has a firm yolk in the center. To achieve this type of fried egg, you will cook it on both sides. According to Cloake, cook the egg on the first side for about three minutes before flipping it over. Keep it on the second side for a shorter amount of time for an over-easy egg, and increase cooking time for a firmer yolk.
Scrambling Eggs
Scrambling eggs is another basic cooking technique frequently used by people at home as well as in the food service industry. The cooking technique used for scrambling eggs will impact the overall texture of the eggs, with results ranging from firm to soft, fluffy scrambled eggs.
Soft Scrambled Eggs
Soft scrambled eggs are not fully set, and they are typically creamier than firm scrambled eggs. The cooking temperature is key to the texture of scrambled eggs, with soft scrambled eggs requiring a low or medium heat in order to achieve the right texture. You may also whisk milk or cream into the eggs to enhance both the flavor and texture.
Firm Scrambled Eggs
Firm scrambled eggs are fully set and defined by their smaller, drier curds. You can increase the temperature to cook firmer, well-done scrambled eggs. In addition, you will want to stir the eggs more frequently to achieve the ideal results.
Poaching Eggs
Often considered a more advanced cooking method for eggs, poaching is a process that allows you to cook the egg outside the shell. The result is a delicate egg white with a creamy yolk center. Poached eggs can be enjoyed on their own, or they may be added to a more ornate dish (such as eggs Benedict).
According to Bon Appétit, you can poach eggs by using a large saucepan to bring a small amount of water to a simmer. Crack the egg over a mesh sieve and allow the most watery part of the white to separate into a small bowl. Then, you can transfer the egg to the simmering water to be poached. Typically, it takes about two or three minutes to cook a poached egg with a set white and a runny yolk.
Baking Eggs
Sometimes overlooked, baking is one of the easiest ways to cook eggs. Baked eggs can be used in a variety of dishes, such as casseroles or frittatas.
Baked Eggs (Shirred Eggs)
Baked eggs may be referred to as shirred eggs, and they are a simple and classic egg dish that has been used for centuries to feed people hearty and delicious meals. This is a French technique in which eggs are baked in ramekins or other small dishes with cream, butter, or vegetables.
Frittatas and Casseroles
Frittatas and casseroles are baked egg dishes that do not rely on a crust — instead created by baking whisked eggs along with a combination of vegetables, cheeses, and meats. The options are virtually endless, making these types of baked eggs incredibly popular.
Steaming Eggs
According to Bon Appétit, steaming is one of the fastest and easiest ways to enjoy delicate, silky eggs in a custard-like form. In addition to the steaming method for hard-boiled eggs discussed above, there are other techniques for steaming eggs traditional to Chinese or Korean cultures. The steps generally include:
- Beat eggs together in a separate bowl, adding in about a cup of water for every four eggs along with salt and other sauces of choice.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled saucepan, and turn on medium heat.
- Continue to stir the eggs until they are cooked to a slightly firmer texture, then reduce to low heat and cover.
- Let them sit and steam for about five to seven minutes, adjusting the amount of time based on the desired firmness.
- Garnish with toppings and condiments of your choice over rice or another base.
Making Omelets
Omelets (spelled “omelettes” in other parts of the world) are a versatile and filling egg dish that can stand alone as their own meal. Although a popular breakfast dish, omelets can be enjoyed at nearly any time of the day.
French-Style Omelettes
French-style omelettes are a lighter, fluffier omelette without any crust. They are rolled and presented in thin folds rather than folded in half. There are also usually fewer ingredients included in a French-style omelette.
American-Style Omelets
By comparison, American-style omelets are characterized by their signature brown crust. They include meats, cheeses, and vegetables and are often heartier than their French counterparts. They are folded in half and cooked on both sides.
Build Your Culinary Skills
Perfecting the different methods for cooking eggs is only the first step in your journey toward establishing basic culinary competencies. At Johnson & Wales University, we offer a Professional Culinary Skills certificate program that focuses on the baking and cooking skills required for entry-level careers or advancement in food production and food service. Students have the opportunity to complete their coursework in a multimedia environment where they can explore food preparation techniques while developing hands-on culinary skills.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].