The Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs

Sunny side up eggs, a classic yet seemingly simple dish, can be a little tricky to perfect. The goal is to achieve a firm, crispy edge with a runny yolk that's just waiting to be dipped into. This recipe will guide you step by step to cook the perfect sunny side up egg, enhancing your breakfast experience.

Photos of The Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs

The ingredients for this recipe are basic and most likely already in your kitchen. If not, they are easily found in any supermarket. Extra-virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits. Remember, a fresh egg will yield the best result, so pick the freshest ones from the supermarket.

Sunny Side Up Egg Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is used for its rich, fruity flavor and its ability to cook at a higher heat. It provides a nice, mild flavor base for the egg.

Egg: A fresh egg is crucial for a sunny side up egg. It should have a firm, plump yolk and a thick, gelatinous egg white. The fresher the egg, the better the result.

One reader, Desiri Gruber says:

These perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs are a breakfast game-changer! The crispy edges and runny yolk are pure perfection. It's a simple dish, but when done right, it's a delightful experience. I love how the yolk oozes out when I cut into it. It's the ultimate comfort food!

Desiri Gruber

Key Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs

How to crack an egg: Gently tap the egg on a flat surface to create a crack, then use your thumbs to open the shell and let the egg fall into a bowl without breaking the yolk.

How to warm the skillet: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles rapidly on contact, then reduce the heat to medium before adding the olive oil.

How to cook the egg: Allow the egg to cook in the skillet, gently tilting the pan occasionally to redistribute the oil, until the edges are crisp and golden and the yolk is cooked to your liking.

How To Make The Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side-Up

Egg yolks breaking each time? If you want to make the perfectly cooked sunny side up, here is the step by step way to do it. Thank us later!

Preparation: 1 minute

Cooking: 4 minutes

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
1egg

Instructions

Pull out a small skillet if you’re cooking one egg, preferably cast iron.
Crack an egg into a small bowl or ramekin. Set aside.
Warm your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles rapidly on contact.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the olive oil to the pan.
Gently tilt the pan around so the olive oil covers the base of the pan. The olive oil should be so warm that it shimmers on the pan (if not, give it a little more time to warm up).
Carefully pour the egg into the skillet and watch out for hot oil splatters.
Let the egg cook, gently tilting the pan occasionally to redistribute the oil, until the edges are crisp and golden and the yolk is cooked to your liking.
Transfer the cooked egg/s to a plate.

Recipe Notes

Best to use a medium-to-large skillet and 2 tablespoons of olive oil if cooking more than two eggs.
If you like runny yolks, cook it for about 2 minutes. For medium yolks, about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
If you’d like to cook more eggs in the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil, leave the heat at medium and add your next egg. Repeat as necessary.

Nutrition

Calories: 180.83kcal
Fat: 17.59g
Saturated Fat: 3.21g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.42g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.24g
Carbohydrates: 0.31g
Sugar: 0.16g
Protein: 5.40g
Cholesterol: 159.96mg
Sodium: 61.33mg
Calcium: 24.21mg
Potassium: 59.47mg
Iron: 0.83mg
Vitamin A: 68.80µg

Pro Tip for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs

To achieve a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg, it's crucial to keep the heat at a medium level once the egg is in the pan. High heat can cause the bottom of the egg to brown too quickly or even burn, while the top remains undercooked. By maintaining a medium heat, you allow the egg to cook evenly, resulting in a crispy edge and a yolk that's cooked to your liking. Also, tilting the pan occasionally helps to distribute the heat evenly and cook the egg uniformly.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Sunny Side Up Eggs

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and set up equipment before starting to cook to save time and make the process smoother.

One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup by cooking everything in a single pot or pan, reducing time spent on washing dishes.

Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of food at once and store the extras for future meals to save time on cooking throughout the week.

Use kitchen tools: Utilize time-saving tools like food processors, slow cookers, and instant pots to streamline the cooking process and minimize hands-on time in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For The Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs

extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich and creamy flavor to the eggs, and it also helps to achieve a crispy edge.
egg - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be seasoned and cooked similarly to eggs, providing a plant-based alternative with a similar texture.

How to Beautifully Present Sunny Side Up Eggs

Use the freshest ingredients: When presenting the dish, ensure that all the ingredients are of the highest quality. This will elevate the overall taste and appearance of the dish, impressing the judges with the attention to detail.
Focus on precision: Pay close attention to the cooking process to ensure that the sunny side up eggs are perfectly cooked. The whites should be set, and the yolk should be runny, creating a visually appealing and delicious dish.
Incorporate complementary flavors: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors and add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Mindful plating: Carefully place the sunny side up eggs on the plate, ensuring that they are positioned elegantly and any excess oil is carefully wiped away. The presentation should be clean and visually appealing.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the overall presentation, ensuring that the plate is clean, and there are no drips or spills. The dish should be presented with finesse and attention to detail, reflecting the high standards of a Michelin-starred chef.

Essential Tools for Cooking Sunny Side Up Eggs

Small skillet: A small skillet is ideal for cooking one egg, and a cast iron skillet is preferred for even heat distribution.
Small bowl or ramekin: Use a small bowl or ramekin to crack the egg into before adding it to the skillet.
Skillet: A skillet is used to cook the egg over medium-high heat, and then reduce to medium heat for even cooking.
Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is used to coat the skillet and cook the egg, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
Plate: A plate is used to transfer the cooked egg/s for serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Sunny Side Up Eggs

The best way to reheat leftover sunny side up eggs is to use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan and gently slide the egg in. Cover the pan with a lid and let it warm through for about 1-2 minutes, or until the yolk is heated to your desired level of doneness.
Another method is to place the egg on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on 50% power for 15-20 seconds at a time, checking after each interval, until the egg is warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the yolk to explode.
If you have multiple sunny side up eggs to reheat, you can place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until they reach the desired temperature. This method is particularly useful if you're reheating a larger batch of eggs for a family breakfast or brunch.
For a quick and easy approach, you can also reheat the egg by placing it in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover the steamer and let the egg warm through for about 1-2 minutes. This gentle heating method helps to preserve the egg's texture and prevent the yolk from overcooking.
Lastly, if you're in a pinch, you can reheat the sunny side up egg by placing it on a heat-proof plate and setting it over a pot of simmering water. Create a makeshift double boiler by ensuring the plate doesn't directly touch the water. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the egg to steam for 1-2 minutes, or until it's warmed to your liking.

Interesting Fact About Sunny Side Up Eggs

The sunny side up eggs are a classic breakfast dish that is quick and easy to prepare. They are a great source of protein and essential nutrients, such as vitamin D and choline. The dish is often enjoyed with toast or bacon, and it's a versatile base for adding other ingredients like avocado or salsa.

Is Making Sunny Side Up Eggs at Home Cost-Effective?

The sunny side up eggs recipe is highly cost-effective for a household, requiring only a minimal amount of olive oil and a single egg. The ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it an economical choice. With a rating of 9/10, this recipe offers a budget-friendly and delicious option for a family of four. The approximate cost for a household of four people is estimated to be around $2, considering the low cost of the ingredients and the simplicity of the dish.

Are Sunny Side Up Eggs Healthy or Unhealthy?

The recipe for sunny side up eggs is relatively healthy, as it only requires a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil and a single egg. Eggs are a nutritious food, packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain choline, which is essential for brain health. The use of extra-virgin olive oil adds a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:

Use a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil needed, or opt for cooking spray instead
Choose pasture-raised or organic eggs, which tend to have a better nutrient profile and are free from harmful additives
Pair the egg with a side of fresh vegetables or whole grain toast to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal
Limit the consumption of sunny side up eggs if you have concerns about cholesterol, as the yolk contains a significant amount of dietary cholesterol

Editor's Opinion on Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs

This recipe provides a simple and effective method for achieving perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs. The use of extra-virgin olive oil adds a delightful flavor to the eggs, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The emphasis on heating the skillet properly and tilting it to distribute the oil ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation. Overall, this recipe is a great guide for creating a classic breakfast dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Enhance Your The Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

Crispy Bacon: Thick-cut bacon strips cooked to perfection, with a touch of maple syrup for a sweet and savory flavor.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing for a refreshing side dish.

Delicious Alternatives to Sunny Side Up Eggs

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy night in. The tender beef and flavorful vegetables simmered in a rich broth will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Peach Salad: This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of grilled peaches with the tanginess of balsamic vinaigrette. It's the perfect balance of flavors for a light and satisfying meal.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and comforting risotto, packed with earthy mushrooms and savory Parmesan cheese. It's a luxurious dish that's worth the effort of stirring and simmering.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Sunny Side Up Eggs

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy filling, making it a delightful start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with bruschetta topped with a vibrant and fresh combination of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. The crisp toast provides the perfect base for the burst of flavors from the tomato mixture, creating a refreshing and satisfying appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Pie: Enjoy a classic apple pie with a flaky, buttery crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Why trust this The Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs:

This recipe uses only the finest extra-virgin olive oil and ensures the egg is cooked to perfection. The method is tried and tested, guaranteeing a flawless sunny side up every time. With attention to detail and precision, this recipe promises a delightful breakfast experience.

Want to share your tips and tricks for making the perfect sunny side up eggs? Join the discussion in the Cooking Techniques forum and let us know your secrets!

FAQ:

How do I know when the skillet is hot enough to add the egg?

You can test the skillet's heat by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates rapidly, the skillet is ready for the egg.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of extra-virgin olive oil?

Yes, you can use other high-heat oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

How can I prevent the egg from sticking to the skillet?

Make sure the skillet is properly heated and the oil is shimmering before adding the egg. Tilt the pan to ensure the oil coats the surface, which will help prevent sticking.

What should I do if the egg yolk breaks while cooking?

If the yolk breaks, don't worry! You can still enjoy the egg. Just cook it to your desired doneness and savor the delicious flavors.

Can I add any seasonings or toppings to the sunny side up eggs?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle some salt and pepper, fresh herbs, or grated cheese on top of the eggs for added flavor. Be creative and customize the eggs to your liking!