master-cooks | The Worst Mistake To Make When You're Trying To Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs

One of the most common mistakes when trying to perfect sunny side up eggs is cooking them over too high a heat. Many people believe that a high flame will speed up the process, but it often leads to overcooked or burnt edges while leaving the yolk undercooked. The secret to achieving the perfect sunny side up egg lies in patience and control over the heat. Start by preheating your pan over low to medium heat, allowing it to warm evenly. Use a small amount of butter or oil to coat the pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking. Crack the eggs gently into the pan to maintain the integrity of the yolk. Cook slowly, allowing the whites to set while the yolk remains runny. If you find the whites aren't cooking through, use a lid to trap steam and cook the top without flipping the egg. This technique ensures that the yolks remain bright and glossy without compromising the delicate texture. By managing the heat and cooking time, you can achieve perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs that are both visually appealing and delicious.

Why low heat is the key to the best sunny side up eggs

Creating the perfect sunny side up egg requires a bit of patience. It's essential to use low heat, as this allows the whites to firm up while keeping the yolk runny. Cooking at too high a temperature can lead to overcooked (or even burnt) whites, while the yolk may remain undercooked. This results in rubbery whites and a yolk that isn’t done.

To start, add your preferred fat to the skillet—whether you choose butter or oil is entirely up to you. You'll know it's time to crack in your egg when the oil shimmers or the butter becomes foamy. Avoid any hissing or sizzling sounds, as these indicate that the skillet is too hot.

If patience isn't your strong suit, you can speed up the process slightly without compromising the egg by covering the skillet with a glass lid. The steam that accumulates will help cook the whites more quickly, and you can easily monitor the progress through the glass. Your egg is ready when the whites are completely opaque.

Of course, if this method feels too complicated, there's a simple hack for making sunny side up eggs in the microwave. However, if you’re an egg enthusiast who doesn’t mind waiting a few extra minutes for breakfast, cooking your sunny side up eggs slowly and gently will produce fantastic results.

The Worst Mistake To Make When You're Trying To Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs

Why low heat is the key to the best sunny side up eggs

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