Absolute Best Tests
The Absolute Best Way to Fry an Egg, According to 42 Tests
Columnist Ella Quittner never wants to eat another egg again—possibly ever.
Photo by Ella Quittner
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211 Comments
Lyle D.
February 6, 2021
Eggs basted in bacon fat that has tiny crumbs of bacon floating in it are what they serve for breakfast in Heaven, where all the pans are non-stick.
[email protected]
January 30, 2021
Butter and water for the last 65 years! Started with cast iron and
moved up the non-stick ladder.
moved up the non-stick ladder.
natalie
January 29, 2021
I fry in bacon fat in a non stick pan until the white is almost set, then place an egg size lid over the egg(s) to finish the top of the whites. Super crispy, yummy and no slime or broken yokes.
Crystal A.
January 23, 2021
I've done the cream method several times and it's delicious! Works quite well and usually doesn't stick too much. You do have to tilt the pan, cook at a lower temp, and keep spooning the cream on top and it takes a little longer than frying in butter. Covering the pan in between the spooning helps.
Joey C.
January 21, 2021
I enjoyed reading this way too much! I can’t wait to try the cream, butter, and bacon fat ideas. Separately of course. Or all together?
Jjimy
January 13, 2021
Wow, now that's dedication... thank you lass. Eggs ( esp. Fried eggs) are probably on of my favourite foods .
CuriousCook
January 13, 2021
Just found your website/blog ... I am NOT a cook but love to read about what other cooks are doing in the kitchen. For myself, whole eggs are a no-no but eggwhites are fine. It was just interesting to see what others are doing with them and interesting to see just how you investigated the different styles of cooking.
natalie
January 29, 2021
A friend on mine made me French toast with egg whites and cinnamon. As a non-egg white and also non-sweet French toast person, I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was.
Pickles
January 11, 2021
You’re hilarious and I want your job:). I would gladly cook, eat, and critique 42 fried eggs...even though I already know that butter is best...basted with bacon fat at the end for flavor.
mulhollp
November 24, 2020
The most important control, cooking temp, was not in the list of controlled variables. Many pan AND oil types would produce much more consistent eggs than those pictured if they were at even close to the right temperature. Also, try cooking them in a small pan with a lid and an ice cube thrown inside so they are steam basted. That way, the white will cook evenly while the yellow remains runny, which is the overarching goal
TrisKit
November 24, 2020
My Puerto Rican grandmother taught me how to make a fried egg via the butter/water, cover with lid and steam till done method. Medium heat is quite sufficient; just preheat your pan.
april
November 24, 2020
Cast iron and butter!!! over whatever leftovers are in the fridge. Mashed sweet potatoes, lentil stew, okonomiyaki, fried rice, sauteed kale, you get the idea. YUM!
Richard R.
October 12, 2020
There probably is no best way to fry an egg as folks are quite different in what they like. If the eggs are for guests you probably should use a "safe" method. Small non-stick pan with a light amount of olive oil and butter. Just a thin layer. Low heat and pour in the egg. Position the pan so the yolk stays in the center and when the bottom has set but is not browning add a small amount of water. ( you can use Court Bullion or other fluids to up the razzmatazz ) Continue to cook at low temp until done as you think best. If you want to cook the top put a lid on the pan and steam it. The end result is a fried egg with a slightly poached luxury to it. No brown and an almost fake appearance.
Nam1818
May 1, 2020
My mind is blown. This is an incredible article. Well done.
Tom T.
July 11, 2020
WHat's to blow the mind???
ALl the photos are of crappy, burnt-edge eggs. Only the water cooked one looks edible.
ALl the photos are of crappy, burnt-edge eggs. Only the water cooked one looks edible.
Tom T.
August 31, 2020
Hi, Paula! Welcome to Earth and to the Internet!
Be aware that there will be strangers who do and say things you don't agree with.
Be aware that there will be strangers who do and say things you don't agree with.
Richard R.
October 12, 2020
Yes there will be, doesn't have to be, but Yes. As long as folks like you are around.
gott5ahavethat
January 15, 2021
Shut up Waterhead. i bet ur a__ gonna love a Fried Egg in a few Months when Sleepy Joe & Kamala Wala takes errthang your broke a__ has got. The man up there told ya to chill out Dude. Go smoke another Joint. please Respond. Peace
gott5ahavethat
January 15, 2021
especialy when the Aliens r wrong. Sorry Miss Paula. Spacecadet's get'n caried away he needs some more Tofue. Us real Country Crackers appreciate some new Tricks .
gott5ahavethat
January 15, 2021
He's sorry his mama raised an Ahole. Sorry again for the Southern French.
Arthur B.
April 27, 2020
I always use a stainless pan with butter. It's all about temperature. You can make them soft, hard, crisp around the edges. Rarely have any sticking issues. Stainless can be seasoned just like cast iron. It's all about temperature.
Sophie T.
April 27, 2020
Love that browned butter in olive oil for my eggs. Best flavor and texture. Will try cream, never knew!
Pam H.
April 26, 2020
Very interesting article (I’m in The Who Knew About Cream sector), and very charmingly written!
Meg
April 25, 2020
Great read! I love eggs and learned a lot from this. I’ve seen people do the cream method eggs but have not tried them! I will be trying this method tomorrow morning. Thanks!
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