Fried Eggs: Perfectly Cooked (Butter Basted) Eggs

Have you ever wondered about the secret to the best-fried eggs? This breakfast staple uses simple ingredients, so the technique needs to be on point. With this method, you’ll be cooking the crispiest, creamiest, most delicious eggs in no time!

Why are Eggs One of the Best Foods in the World

Eggs. I love eggs. With a passion.

On a more serious note, eggs are a staple food across the world for so many reasons. Allow me to elaborate on why everyone should eat more eggs.

• Eggs are Delicious – A cheesy omelet, a picture-perfect runny yolk fried egg, a delicate souffle; you can’t deny how good eggs are. The rich and creamy yolk, slowly drizzling down a bowl of rice. Eggs are one of the most eaten foods in the world, according to AGC Equipment (for good reason).
• Eggs are Affordable – Eggs are one of the cheapest protein sources on the market. Even high-quality, cage-free eggs are relatively inexpensive.
• Eggs are Nutritious – Eggs provide a complete protein source, healthy monounsaturated fats, several essential nutrients, and are very satiating. Read more in this article on Healthline.
• Eggs are Versatile – Eggs are one of if not the most adaptable foods in the world. They can shine all on their own, be turned into omelets, used as a binder, make meringues and soufflés, and upgrade a bowl of ramen. There is a seemingly unending amount of ways to utilize eggs in both savory and sweet ways.

The Perfect Fried Egg

I want to make it clear that, technically this is not the perfect fried egg, because that doesn’t exist. Everyone likes their eggs a little differently, so what may be the best egg to one person may be terrible to another.

My definition of the perfect fried egg is a sunny-side-up egg with a runny golden-orange yolk on top of set whites with crisped, bubbly edges. Oh, it’s so good! On top of sourdough toast, over rice with some Spicy Garlic Chili Oil, in a donburi; be creative!

Ingredients for the Perfect Fried Egg

The ingredients for this recipe are pretty simple, the only caveat is getting the best eggs you can.

Eggs – I get my eggs from a member of our church who raises chickens themselves. If you know someone like this, buy your eggs from them. If not, try to buy cage-free eggs.

Oil – For this recipe, you need a neutral oil with a high smoke point. This will be used to create a nonstick surface for the eggs and allow for better heat transmission

Butter – The trick to getting a runny, perfectly cooked yolk while cooking the whites through lies in the same technique often used for steaks: butter basting.

Salt – Coarse Kosher salt gives both salt’s flavor-boosting effects and a nice crunchy texture.

Pepper – I like a medium-course ground pepper medley, but black pepper is fine. Whatever pepper you choose, always use freshly cracked pepper, it makes all the difference, especially in recipes like this.

How to Make Perfectly Cooked Fried Eggs

Step 1 – Preheat and Nonstick the Pan

One of the worst feelings in the kitchen is eggs sticking to a pan. One option is to use a nonstick pan, which works great, but I do not recommend it for the best-fried eggs. Nonstick pans aren’t capable of being used with high heat, limiting your ability to get those crispy edges.

Set a medium pan over high heat, and let it heat for a few minutes until just starting to smoke. Immediately turn the heat to medium-high, add a drizzle of high-heat oil, and swirl it around the pan.

Step 2 – Add the Eggs

Immediately place two eggs in the hot, greased pan. Cook for 1 minute on medium-high heat, undisturbed.

Step 3 – Butter Baste

After 1 minute, add one tablespoon of butter to the pan.

The butter will melt and foam rapidly. Tilt the pan so that the bottom of the eggs do not receive direct heat. This will prevent the bottom of the eggs from overcooking while cooking the top.

With a spoon, pour the hot, foamy butter over the top of the eggs. Do this continually for about 2 minutes, the butter will brown and begin to smell like hazelnut, and the eggs will set on the top.

Step 4 – Remove and Season

After your eggs are sufficiently cooked, remove them from the pan and transfer to a plate topped with paper towels. This will help to dry and crisp up the eggs. Immediately season to taste with coarse salt and fresh pepper.

Ways to Serve Fried Eggs

Over Rice – One of my favorite breakfasts; rice topped with fried eggs, chili oil, furikake, and scallions

As a Topping for a Rice Bowl – If you want an upgraded version of the former, top rice with a protein like chicken, pork, beef, or tofu, some veggies, a fried egg, and any other toppings. See my Shogayaki Donburi recipe for ideas.

1. On Sourdough Toast – Homemade sourdough is a thing of wonder, and makes the perfect base for these fried eggs.

4. In a Breakfast Sandwich – Pair fried eggs, bagels, cheese, bacon, and your favorite spread for an easy but addicting sandwich.

Ingredients

• 2 large cage-free eggs
• 1/2 tbsp. of vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. of butter
• Coarse Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked pepper medley, to taste

Directions

1. Set a medium pan over high heat, and let it heat for a few minutes until it is just starting to smoke. Immediately turn the heat to medium-high, add a drizzle of high-heat oil, and swirl it around the pan.
2. Immediately place two eggs in the hot, greased pan. Cook for 1 minute on medium-high heat, undisturbed.
3. After 1 minute, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Tilt the pan so that the bottom of the eggs do not overcook.
4. With a spoon, pour the hot, foamy butter over the top of the eggs. Do this continually for about 2 minutes.
5. After your eggs are sufficiently cooked, remove them from the pan and transfer to a plate topped with paper towels. Season to taste with coarse salt and fresh pepper.