How to Cook Eggs

A Complete Guide for Beginners

Introduction

This guide provides Step By Step instructions for cooking eggs using three common methods: fried, scrambled, and boiled.

It is written for beginners who have never performed these tasks before. The instructions include safety notes, required materials, and troubleshooting information to ensure a successful outcome.

Estimated Time Required: 5–15 minutes

Location: A kitchen with a functioning stovetop and sink

General Safety Warnings:

  • Hot pans, steam, and boiling water can cause burns. Handle cookware carefully.
  • Raw eggs may contain bacteria; wash hands after contact.
  • Keep flammable materials away from the stove.

Materials Needed

Eggs
Nonstick pan
Pot (for boiling)
Butter or cooking oil
Salt
Pepper
Mixing bowl
Fork or whisk
Spatula
Water
Ice (for cooling boiled eggs)

Method 1: Fried Eggs

Perfectly fried eggs with golden yolks

Step 1: Preheat the Pan

  1. Place a nonstick pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
  2. Add approximately one teaspoon of butter or oil.
  3. Allow it to melt and coat the pan evenly.

Step 2: Add the Egg

  1. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  2. Open it gently over the pan, maintaining the yolk's shape.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook to Desired Doneness

Sunny-Side Up

  • Do not flip the egg.
  • Continue cooking until the whites are completely set.

Over-Easy

  • Flip the egg once the whites have set.
  • Cook for an additional 10–20 seconds.

Over-Medium or Over-Hard

  • Flip the egg and continue cooking until the yolk reaches the firmness you prefer.

Method 2: Scrambled Eggs

Perfectly cooked creamy scrambled eggs

Step 1: Beat the Eggs

  1. Crack 2–3 eggs into a mixing bowl.
  2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Beat the mixture with a fork or whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

  1. Melt butter in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan.
  3. Allow the edges to set, then gently push the eggs toward the center with a spatula.
  4. Continue gently stirring until soft curds form.
  5. Remove the pan from heat when the eggs appear slightly glossy.

Method 3: Boiled Eggs

Perfectly hard-boiled eggs

Step 1: Prepare the Pot

  1. Place eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a pot.
  2. Add cold water until the eggs are covered by one to two inches.

Step 2: Heat the Water

  1. Bring the water to a full boil over high heat.
  2. Turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 3: Select the Desired Doneness

  • Soft-boiled: 6 minutes
  • Medium-boiled: 8–9 minutes
  • Hard-boiled: 11–12 minutes

Step 4: Cool and Peel

  1. Transfer the eggs immediately to a bowl of ice water.
  2. Allow them to cool for five minutes to stop the cooking process.
  3. Peel the eggs under running water for best results.

Troubleshooting Guide

Issue Likely Cause Solution
Egg whites spread too thin Pan not sufficiently preheated Preheat the pan longer before adding the egg
Yolks break when cracking Cracking too hard or on an uneven surface Crack eggs on a flat surface
Scrambled eggs are rubbery Heat too high Cook on medium-low heat
Eggs stick to the pan Not enough butter or oil Add additional oil or butter before cooking
Boiled eggs peel poorly Skipping the ice bath or using very fresh eggs Cool promptly in ice water and use eggs that are at least several days old

Glossary

Curds
Soft, solid pieces that form when scrambling eggs.
Doneness
The level of firmness or softness of the egg yolk or white.
Ice Bath
A bowl of ice and water used to rapidly cool food.
Opaque
Not transparent; describes fully cooked egg whites.
Sunny-Side Up
A fried egg cooked without flipping, leaving the yolk visible on top.