The perfect fried egg – ruffled, crispy edges, tender whites and a rich yolk – starts with the right pan. We like a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron or non-stick skillet – something roomy enough to accommodate 2 eggs because hunger loves company. Cast iron also has a non-stick patina that develops over time, so the eggs will slide right off when done. Don’t be shy with the oil, though – You‘ll need at least 2 (if not 3) tablespoons of your chosen oil for 2 eggs. That‘s enough to fry and baste the egg whites, speed up the cooking and achieve that covetable crispy edge.
![A fried egg on a white plate](https://ellegourmet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/perfect-fried-eggs-480x480.jpg)
Perfect Fried Eggs
Our guide to achieving a flawless fried egg with ruffled, crispy edges, tender whites and a rich yolk.
Ingredients
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable, olive or extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 eggs
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by heating oil over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Break eggs into the pan, 1 at a time, aiming just above the oil to prevent splattering. (Hot tip: Crack eggs on a flat surface for a clean break – using a pan‘s edge will result in shell shards in the egg.)
- Cook until edges are brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Tilt the pan and spoon the fat over the whites until no longer translucent. Make sure to avoid the yolks – you want to keep them runny, and they‘ll continue to cook as is.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and enjoy.
Recipes featuring fried eggs
Ultimate Brunch Sheetpan
Every brunch item you or your guests could want, served on a striking and space-conscious sheetpan.
Get the recipe
![A baking sheet laid with traditional breakfast items on a white tablecloth with glasses of juice](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20150%20150'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ultimate Brunch Sheetpan
Every brunch item you or your guests could want, served on a striking and space-conscious sheetpan.
Get the recipe
![A baking sheet laid with traditional breakfast items on a white tablecloth with glasses of juice](https://ellegourmet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ultimate-Brunch-Sheetpan-480x480.jpg)
Egg and Halloumi Breakfast Plate
Vanessa Perrone's Mediterranean Diet breakfast plate features za'atar-seasoned eggs fried on top of halloumi slices and served with tomatoes and spinach.
Get the recipe
![A dish with eggs, spinach, tomatoes and halloumi with toast, tea, and a light blue napkin visible in the background](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20150%20150'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Egg and Halloumi Breakfast Plate
Vanessa Perrone's Mediterranean Diet breakfast plate features za'atar-seasoned eggs fried on top of halloumi slices and served with tomatoes and spinach.
Get the recipe
![A dish with eggs, spinach, tomatoes and halloumi with toast, tea, and a light blue napkin visible in the background](https://ellegourmet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/egg-halloumi-breakfast-plate-480x480.jpg)
Cheesy Egg Toasts
Chetna Makan's recipe for cheesy egg toast with coriander-yogurt chutney, inspired by the Mumbai dish known as kejriwal.
Get the recipe
![Plates of toast with eggs and avocado spread, with cups of tea](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20150%20150'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Cheesy Egg Toasts
Chetna Makan's recipe for cheesy egg toast with coriander-yogurt chutney, inspired by the Mumbai dish known as kejriwal.
Get the recipe
![Plates of toast with eggs and avocado spread, with cups of tea](https://ellegourmet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cheesy-egg-toasts-480x480.jpg)
![A dish with pad gaprao, a fork and spoon on a grey wooden tablecloth with blue linens and lettuce seen in the background.](https://ellegourmet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Old-School-Pad-Gaprao-e1681772517288-480x480.jpg)
Nasi Goreng
Jon Kung's old-school recipe for a classic Indonesian chicken-and-rice dish.
Get the recipe
![Bowls of Indonesian nasi goreng on a blue surface](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20150%20150'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Nasi Goreng
Jon Kung's old-school recipe for a classic Indonesian chicken-and-rice dish.
Get the recipe
![Bowls of Indonesian nasi goreng on a blue surface](https://ellegourmet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nasi-goreng-e1699378865526-480x480.jpg)