Learning to make the perfect over-medium egg is a rite of passage for any aspiring home cook. This simple breakfast staple is beloved for its creamy yolk and tender egg whites, and their slightly crispy edge.
With just a few basic ingredients and tools, you'll be able to achieve diner-style eggs in no time.
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While over-easy eggs with their runny yolks are my favorite for dipping. Medium over eggs are ideal for a gluten-free biscuit sandwich. Just pair it with a strawberry smoothie and you are good to go!
But they are also my favorite way to make eggs for meal prep. Yes, you can make fried eggs for meal prep. When you reheat them they will be cooked through in the yolks.
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📖What is an Over Medium Egg?
Over medium eggs are one of the four types of fried eggs. It is cooked and then flipped but the yolk is still intact, i.e. not broken.
The edges of the egg are slightly crispy and the whites should be set. But when you cut into the eggs you shouldn't see the yolk run out. While hard eggs have a set lighter colored yolk.
The perfect over-medium eggs will have a bright yellow center that looks creamy not runny and not set.
Like the Goldilocks of eggs, it is just right.
🧾Understanding Egg Grades
When selecting eggs, you'll usually find three grades: Grade AA, Grade A, and Grade B. Grade B is usually not found at grocery stores which leaves us with a choice between AA and A.
I prefer to use AA large eggs for frying eggs, while Grade A is totally fine your favorite scrambled egg recipe where the definition between the white and the yolk isn't as critical. Either way, I prefer pasture-raised eggs when I can find them.
Butter or Oil for Frying Eggs
When it comes to making over-medium eggs just right, butter is your best bet for frying. As you heat up the butter, it gets a bit brown and gives the eggs a slightly nutty taste. Plus, it gives the egg whites a lovely texture.
But if you're all about that crispy egg white, you can go for olive oil or avocado oil. And if you're not into dairy or you're going vegan, try out unsalted vegan butter – it works great.
Cooking spray is fine but it isn't an oil I recommend.
Bacon grease is convenient but use it selectively for a more pronounced flavor that complements your breakfast.
The Best Pan for Fried Eggs
Using the appropriate pan is the key to preventing your eggs from sticking.
Because turning eggs in a nonstick pan is so simple, I like to use one. Furthermore, cleanup is easier.
Use a rubber or plastic spatula when using a nonstick pan to avoid scratching the surface.
You can use a cast-iron skillet, but it needs to be well-seasoned. When preparing bacon, I usually only use this because I don't want to dirty another dish. Pour off the excess bacon fat and cook your eggs in the leftover grease.
A fish spatula is the perfect tool for flipping in cast iron. It is more flexible than a typical spatula and won't sever the egg whites when you flip it.
A stainless steel pan will work, but to obtain the ideal eggs, you might need to add up to twice as much butter.
⏲️How to Make Over Medium Eggs
Making eggs over medium only takes 5 minutes. So let's get to it!
Step 1- Melt the Butter
I recommend starting with a cold pan. Place over medium-low heat to start and immediately add the butter to melt. Use plenty of butter to prevent sticking. The pan is ready when the melted butter is slightly foamy.
Step 2- Add the Eggs
Crack open the egg and add to the hot pan. My preference is to do this in a small bowl and then slide the egg into the pan.
Resist any urge to move it around. Simply sprinkle it with a little salt and pepper.
When the whites of the eggs begin to set and the edges of the eggs just begin to furl up, it is time to flip.
Step 3- Flip
Season the second side with salt and pepper. Don't press down on the egg or you will break the yolk. Cook for about 90 seconds. You can baste the eggs with butter while they finish cooking.
The exact cook times will vary based on the type of pan. The egg yolk should appear to firm up, it will be puffy where the yolk is. I think my photo paints a very clear picture of what it should look like.
If you gently press it with your finger it shouldn't feel runny or hard. Again Goldilocks!
But with a little practice, you will be slinging eggs like a short-order cook.
🥗How to Serve Eggs Over Medium
These are perfect eggs for the classic breakfast plate. Breakfast potatoes, sausage, and fresh fruit.
But this type of fried egg is also delicious on rice with a little harissa, on top of your favorite burger, and probably the east way to make avocado toast.
Also, try your fried eggs with olive tapenade and cream cheese on a bagel. In the Spring I like ramp pesto and in the winter I like to use a little leftover romesco sauce.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Use fresh eggs to keep the definition of the yolk.
- Properly preheat your pan before adding your eggs.
- Not sure if your pan is ready? Flick a TINY bit of cold water. It should sizzle.
- If you are using salted butter do not overly salt your eggs.
- Never go above medium heat to prevent overcooking the yolk.
- Gently slide a spatula beneath the egg before flipping it to avoid breaking the yolk.
🌡️Storing Leftovers
Store the cooked eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 2-3 days.
You can reheat fried on the stovetop in a skillet with a little butter. Or simply microwave for 60 to 90 seconds.
More Ways to Cook Eggs
💭 Frequently Asked Questions
Flipping is essential to achieve the ideal yolk consistency, but if you prefer a runnier yolk try over easy or sunny side up.
Over-medium eggs have a slightly firmer but still soft yolk compared to over-easy eggs, where the yolk is runny.
Use fresh eggs and a well-heated skillet to help the egg whites set quickly and maintain their shape.
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📖 Recipe
Over Medium Eggs
Equipment
- Fish spatula or plastic spatula
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter or other cooking oil or bacon grease
- 2 eggs
- kosher salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter allow it to melt and coat the surface.1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- When the butter begins to foam, crack the eggs into the pan. Or crack the eggs into a small bowl and gently tip into your pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.2 eggs, kosher salt, black pepper
- Cook for 2 minutes or until the egg whites start to set and become opaque but the yolk is still runny.
- Once the whites are set and the edges begin to crisp, carefully flip each egg using a spatula. Cook for 1 to 2 additional minutes until the egg yolks are firm to the touch but not broken.
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