Eggs are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in various ways, each offering a unique texture and flavor. Here are some of the best ways to cook an egg:
Scrambled Eggs: Whisk the eggs with a splash of milk or cream, season with salt and pepper, and cook them in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Continuously stir gently to achieve soft, creamy curds.
Fried Eggs: Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Crack the egg into the skillet and cook until the whites are set, but the yolk is still runny. For a sunny-side-up egg, cook on one side only, or for over-easy/over-medium, gently flip the egg and cook briefly on the other side.
Poached Eggs: Bring water to a simmer in a shallow pan or skillet with a splash of vinegar. Create a gentle whirlpool in the water and slide the cracked egg into the center. Allow it to cook until the whites are set and the yolk is still soft and runny.
Soft-Boiled Eggs: Carefully place eggs in a pot of boiling water and cook for around 4-5 minutes. Remove them and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Soft-boiled eggs have a runny yolk and a semi-set white.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Place eggs in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and then let them simmer for about 9-12 minutes, depending on the size of the eggs. Once done, transfer to an ice bath. Hard-boiled eggs have fully set yolks.
Baked Eggs: Crack eggs into individual ramekins or a baking dish with various toppings like cheese, vegetables, or meats. Bake in the oven until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired consistency.
Omelette: Whisk eggs with a bit of milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into a heated non-stick skillet. As the eggs set, add fillings like cheese, vegetables, ham, or herbs. Fold the omelette in half and cook until the filling is warm and the eggs are fully set.
Steamed Eggs: Beat the eggs with some seasoning, pour into a heatproof bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and steam until set. This method results in a smooth and custard-like texture.
Eggs Benedict: Poach eggs and serve them on top of English muffins with Canadian bacon or ham and hollandaise sauce.
Deviled Eggs: Hard-boil eggs, cut them in half, and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper, then fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture.
Remember that the cooking times and methods may vary depending on personal preferences and the specific dish you are preparing. Eggs are incredibly versatile, so don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to find your favorite way to enjoy them.