The Extra Ingredient Alton Brown Swears By For Delicious Scrambled Eggs

Alton Brown, known for his scientific approach to cooking, has a unique twist for enhancing scrambled eggs. His secret ingredient is mayonnaise, which might surprise many traditionalists. The idea behind using mayonnaise is its ability to add creaminess and a subtle tang to the eggs, elevating their flavor profile. Mayonnaise is essentially an emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and acid, which integrates smoothly into the eggs, providing a rich texture and taste without overpowering the dish. Brown suggests adding a small amount of mayonnaise to the eggs before cooking, whisking it thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This technique helps achieve a velvety consistency, making the eggs more luscious and moist. The fat content in mayonnaise also aids in preventing the eggs from overcooking or becoming rubbery, which is a common pitfall. By incorporating mayonnaise, Brown's method offers a simple yet effective way to transform everyday scrambled eggs into a gourmet experience. This approach aligns with his philosophy of using unexpected yet straightforward ingredients to enhance classic recipes, providing both novice and experienced cooks with an easy technique to elevate their breakfast game.
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Making scrambled eggs with mayonnaise

Alton Brown's advice comes straight from his 2016 book, "Everyday Cook." In his scrambled egg recipe, cleverly titled "Scrambled Eggs V3.0," Brown points out that both scrambled eggs and mayonnaise are emulsified foods. This means that the creamy texture of mayonnaise enhances the overall texture of the scrambled eggs.

Brown notes that the end result is creamier than what you could achieve with just eggs or dairy alone. You can rest assured that adding mayonnaise won’t alter the flavor of the scrambled eggs at all. The quantity used is minimal, and since mayonnaise is made from eggs, it will seamlessly blend with the taste of the scrambled eggs.

To try Brown's method, simply combine 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon of water and mix it into the eggs before cooking. With this one simple addition, your scrambled eggs will become creamier. Once you start using mayonnaise in your scrambled eggs, you may find it hard to go back to a traditional recipe — in fact, you might miss it if you skip it!

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