Name: Over-Easy Eggs Recipe
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon of butter or oil; Salt and pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Rate This

5 from 2 votes

So, you’re craving a plate of over-easy eggs for breakfast? Frying egg sound sounds easy-peasy, right? Just crack 2 eggs in the pan and give ’em a flip when the time’s right.

But wait, how do you get that perfect combo of firm whites and ooey-gooey yolks?

Even if you’re still half-asleep and haven’t had your morning caffeine fix, I’ve got you covered. Just keep a few simple tips in mind, and you’ll be a master of over-easy eggs in no time.

Unlike their sunny-side-up cousins, which are only cooked on one side, over-easy eggs get flipped over to cook on both sides, while the egg yolk still slightly liquid.

The “easy” part is all about that runny yolk, but don’t fret if you prefer your yolks a bit more cooked – you can always go for “over medium” or “over hard.”

What’s the difference between egg over easy, over medium, and over hard?

The primary difference between over-easy, over-medium, and over-hard eggs lies in the level of yolk firmness, which is determined by the cooking time.

Over-Easy Eggs: These eggs are cooked on both sides, but the yolk remains slightly runny. The egg whites are fully cooked and opaque, while the yolk is still soft and creamy. Flip the egg after the whites have set and then cooking for an additional minute on the other side.
Over-medium eggs are cooked slightly longer than over-easy eggs, resulting in a partially cooked yolk. The egg whites are fully cooked with the yolk is thicker and less runny. Cook the egg for an additional 1-2 minutes after flipping, allowing the yolk to set a bit more.
Over-hard eggs have been cooked so that the whites and yolks are both firm. The texture of over hard eggs is consistent throughout the entire egg—no squishy bits! After flipping the egg, cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the yolk is entirely set.

What is a sunny-side-up egg mean?

Sunny-side-up eggs are eggs that are fried on one side only, without being flipped. The name “sunny-side-up” comes from the way the egg yolk resembles a bright, sunny disc.

To make sunny-side-up eggs, you crack the eggs into a hot pan with a little butter or oil, and then cook them until the egg whites are set and fully cooked, while the yolks remain soft and runny. The top part of the egg whites, closest to the yolk, might appear slightly translucent, but they should still be cooked through.

Some people may cover the pan with a lid or use a small amount of water to create steam, which helps cook the top of the egg whites more evenly without having to flip the egg. This method is sometimes called “basted” eggs.

Sunny-side-up eggs are typically served with the uncooked yolk facing up, hence the name.

Ever been to a diner and ordered fried eggs, only to be asked, “How do you want your eggs cooked?” Getting familiar with the lingo not only saves the diner server some precious moments, but it also spares you from lengthy explanations when you’re trying to get your breakfast just right.

Classic over-easy eggs recipe

If you’re a fan of yolks as much as I am, then the over-easy way to fry eggs is for you. Over-easy eggs have a really runny yolk perfect for dipping toast and bacon.

2 eggs, oil/butter, salt and pepper — no cooking skills required! Here’s how to make a super-easy breakfast in under 5 minutes.

And hey, once you’ve mastered the basics, feel free to get creative with cooking times and techniques to whip up over-medium and over-hard eggs that suit your taste buds’ cravings. Let’s get cracking and bring on the deliciousness!

Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1 tablespoon of butter or oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the pan: Place a non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Allow the pan to heat up for about 1 minute.
Add butter or oil: Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to the pan and let it melt, ensuring it spreads evenly across the pan’s surface.
Crack the eggs: While the pan is heating, crack the eggs into two separate small bowls or ramekins. This makes it easier to slide the eggs into the pan without breaking the yolks and also helps avoid any shell fragments.
Cook the eggs: Gently slide the eggs into the preheated pan, keeping some space between them. Cook the eggs for about 1-2 minutes, until the egg whites are set and opaque but the yolks are still runny. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste during this stage if desired.
How to flip over-easy eggs: Carefully slide a spatula under each egg, making sure not to break the yolk. With a gentle yet swift motion, flip each egg over. Cook for an additional 1 minute or until the desired doneness is reached. Over-easy eggs should have a slightly runny yolk but cooked whites.
Using the spatula, gently lift the eggs from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Serve immediately with toast, bacon, or any other breakfast accompaniments you enjoy.

Tip: If you’re nervous about flipping over-easy eggs, you can try using a wide spatula or a flexible silicone one for better control. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it takes a few attempts to perfect your technique.