How to Cook Eggs: 8 Basic Methods You Need to Master

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Eggs are one of the most basic ingredients in cooking. You can find them in almost every kitchen around the world. They are cheap, easy to get, and full of protein. Knowing how to cook eggs is one of the first skills anyone should learn, whether you are just starting in the kitchen or have been cooking for years.

Even professional chefs in top restaurants have to master eggs. It sounds simple, but cooking eggs well takes practice and attention. Each method gives a different texture and flavor. A perfectly cooked egg can make a simple meal feel special.

In this article, you will learn how to cook eggs in eight different ways. These are some basic methods that everyone should master. Let's get started.

Boiling is one of the simplest ways to cook eggs. You only need a pot and water. The result depends on how long you cook them. Follow these steps to get it right every time.

1. Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water by about 2.5 cm (1 inch).

2. Bring the water to a full boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce heat and cook for 6 to 7 minutes for a soft yolk, or 10 to 12 minutes for a hard yolk.

4. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water immediately and let them sit for 5 minutes.

5. Tap the shell gently on a hard surface and peel under running water.

Boiled eggs are very versatile. Slice them over a bowl of noodle soup, mash them into a sandwich filling, or halve them and top with spiced mayonnaise for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Poached eggs have a soft, runny yolk inside a firm white. They are great on toast or salads. Fresh eggs work best for this method. Once you get the technique down, it becomes very easy.

1. Fill a wide pan with about 7 cm (3 inches) of water, add one tablespoon of white vinegar, and heat until small bubbles form at the bottom.

2. Crack one egg into a small cup, then stir the water gently to create a slow swirl.

3. Pour the egg from the cup into the center of the swirl.

4. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring.

5. Lift the egg out with a slotted spoon and rest it on a paper towel before serving.

Poached eggs pair beautifully with toasted bread and creamy avocado, or place one on top of sautéed greens and drizzle with a light butter sauce for a simple but elegant meal.

Sunny side up eggs are fried on one side only, with a bright yellow yolk on top. The yolk stays runny and the white is fully cooked. The steps below will help you nail this classic every time.

1. Heat a non-stick pan over low heat and add one teaspoon of butter.

2. Once the butter melts and foams, crack the egg carefully into the pan.

3. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the white is fully set but the yolk is still soft.

4. Lift the egg gently with a spatula, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Sunny side up eggs are a great match for steamed rice and soy sauce, or serve them alongside crispy bacon and toasted bread for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

"Over" eggs are fried on both sides. Over easy means a runny yolk, over medium means a slightly thick yolk, and over hard means a fully set yolk. Here is how to cook all three with the same basic method.

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with one teaspoon of butter or oil.

2. Crack the egg into the pan and cook until the white is mostly set, about 2 minutes.

3. Flip the egg gently with a thin spatula.

4. Cook for 30 seconds more for over easy, 1 minute for over medium, or 2 minutes for over hard.

5. Slide onto a plate and serve right away.

Over eggs work well in breakfast sandwiches or burgers. An over hard egg is especially good inside a toasted bun with cheese and a slice of ham.

Scrambled eggs are soft, creamy, and quick to make. The key is low heat and patience. Rushing the process gives you dry, rubbery eggs. Try this method for the best result.

1. Beat 2 to 3 eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and a splash of milk.

2. Heat a non-stick pan over low heat with one teaspoon of butter.

3. Pour in the egg mixture and let it sit for a few seconds until the edges begin to set.

4. Slowly push the eggs from the edges toward the center with a spatula. Keep doing this gently until the eggs are soft and just set.

5. Remove from heat while still slightly wet and serve immediately.

Scrambled eggs taste great on their own, but you can also spoon them onto toasted bread, wrap them in a warm tortilla with salsa, or mix in cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

An omelet is a folded egg dish that can be filled with cheese, vegetables, or meat. It takes a little practice but is very satisfying once you get it right. Give this method a try and you will see how straightforward it is.

1. Beat 2 to 3 eggs with a pinch of salt in a bowl.

2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with one teaspoon of butter.

3. Pour in the eggs and let the edges set, then gently push them toward the center while tilting the pan so uncooked egg runs to the edges.

4. When the surface looks almost set, add your fillings to one half.

5. Fold the other half over the fillings, cook for 30 more seconds, then slide onto a plate.

An omelet makes a filling meal at any time of day. Try it with mushrooms and melted cheese for a simple lunch, or fill it with leftover cooked vegetables for a light dinner.

Cooking eggs in a microwave is fast and uses very few dishes. It is a good option when you are short on time or do not have access to a stove. All you need is a mug and a few minutes.

1. Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug with butter or cooking spray.

2. Crack 1 to 2 eggs into the mug, add a splash of milk and a pinch of salt, then beat lightly with a fork.

3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, then cook for another 30 seconds.

4. If not fully set, cook in 15-second bursts until done. Be careful not to overcook.

5. Let the mug rest for 30 seconds before eating as it will be very hot.

Microwave eggs are perfect for a quick meal at work or in a dorm room. Eat them straight from the mug with toast on the side, or stuff them into a bread roll for an easy egg sandwich.

Baking eggs in the oven is a hands-off method that works well when cooking for several people at once. The result is tender, evenly cooked eggs with minimal effort. Just prepare your dishes and let the oven do the work.

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a small oven-safe dish with butter.

2. Crack one or two eggs into the dish, add a tablespoon of cream, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Add any toppings you like, such as cheese, herbs, or cooked ham.

4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the whites are fully set and the yolk is at your preferred doneness.

5. Remove carefully with oven mitts and let the dish cool for one minute before eating.

Oven-baked eggs are lovely served straight in the dish with crusty bread for dipping. They also work well as part of a larger brunch spread alongside roasted tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms.