Good morning, egg enthusiasts! It’s time to learn the art of making perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs with just two simple ingredients: eggs and butter. No fancy equipment required—just a nonstick skillet and your favorite breakfast plate.
After much experimentation, we’ve discovered that the key to a perfect sunny side up egg lies in keeping things simple. Eggs and butter are all you need. We’ve found that butter prevents the egg from browning and gives it that signature runny yolk we all love. Additionally, medium/low heat is essential for achieving that bright white egg white and runny yolk.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Large eggs (medium eggs also work, just adjust the cooking time accordingly)
Butter (feel free to use oil if you prefer crispy edges)
Before you start, make sure you have a nonstick skillet or a high-quality cast iron pan. Fresh eggs yield the best results, so use eggs that aren’t past their prime. A sturdy spatula is essential, as well as whatever you plan to serve your eggs with.
How long should you cook sunny side up eggs? We recommend cooking for 3-4 minutes, but this may vary based on your stove, pan, and choice of oil. Remember, the key is to not flip the eggs!
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Top tips for perfect sunny side up eggs:
– Add more butter if the eggs are sticking to the pan
– Be patient—rushing the cooking process will compromise the quality of your eggs
– Always season with salt and pepper for an extra flavor boost
If you have extra eggs, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a delicious addition to egg salad the next day.
For breakfast, serve your sunny side up eggs with toast, bacon, or as a side alongside pancakes. And as always, feel free to get creative with your plating!
Photography credit: Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.