What Can I Do with an Egg?

What can you do with an egg?

There are so many different ways that people like to have their eggs, but when we are regarding a fried egg, there is a "best" way to cook it.

Now doesn't it sound odd that there is actually a best way to fry eggs? Yes it is odd because it may be seem like such a simple task. However, frying an egg is a art when done correctly. Before one starts to fry, there are many factors that go into frying an egg.

The Pan, Oil, and Temperature

The pan is the single most important thing that goes into frying an egg. There are 3 basic pans which is the stainless steel, non stick, and cast iron. For cooks who are experienced, the stainless steel pan is the best option. Why? This is because of the perfect temperature control that is needed for the perfect slight crust at the bottom of a sunny side up egg or over easy egg. The temperature control that is needed is between the oil and the pan. The oil should have a high smoke point with a neutral flavor profile. Neutral flavor oils with high smoke points can be oils such as canola, ground nut, and grape seed oil. When the oil in placed in the pan, the flame of the stove should be mid temperature and oil should be room temperature. The oil should not smoke on impact of the pan and one way to test the best temperature is by placing 1/2 a tsp of water in the pan. If the water forms a marble like ball and bounces and slides in the pan, the pan is ready for the oil. The oil should be placed in the oil and should be followed with the egg which should also be room temperature (not to be stored room temperature). One the egg hits the pan, the pan should be able to create a slight crust on the bottom of the egg while creating a non stick surface. The egg will cook to perfection with a slight savory and nutty flavor from the mallard reaction.

An egg in a stainless steel pan is likely to stick if not placed in proper temperatures

An example of the water ball called the Leidenfrost effect

Next time we will look at how to create the perfect not crusted egg, but until then keep trying to create that perfect egg!