What’s not to love about eggs? They’re nutritious, easy to cook and just darn good eats. Obviously, there are a multitude of ways to approach an egg but these three super simple variations take this staple to the next level.
1. Spanish fried egg
The humble fried egg is about as easy as it gets. Just crack it into a pan and watch it sizzle into a great breakfast. This cooking method, inspired by Chef José Andrés, uses slightly more oil in a very small pan to caramelize the egg white into a crispy crust on all sides while cooking the egg so quickly that the yolk stays ooey-gooey good.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 egg
4 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a small pan with high sides.
2. Tilt the pan so the oil collects in a pool on one side.
3. Crack the egg into the hot oil.
Photo by Kai Huang
4. Spoon hot oil continuously over the top of the egg.
Photo by Kai Huang
5. Remove egg from the pan once the top is cooked and the edges are golden brown.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
Photo by Kai Huang
2. Chinese steamed egg
There’s an old Chinese story about an impoverished farmer who was visited by the emperor and found that he had nothing to serve him. In a panic, he beat an egg with some chicken broth and steamed it into a delicate pudding. The emperor was so impressed by the dish that he invited the farmer to become his royal chef. Can you really question the taste of an emperor?
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/8 cup chicken broth
Directions:
1. Beat the egg and chicken broth together in a heat-safe bowl.
Photo by Kai Huang
2. Heat some water on medium heat in a pot with a steaming rack until it bubbles.
3. Place the bowl in the pot on the steaming wrack.
Photo by Kai Huang
4. Steam for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is firm with small bubbles starting to form on the edges of the egg mixture.
5. Remove the bowl and serve.
Photo by Kai Huang
3. Creamy scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs seems simple enough, but it can take some finesse to get the consistency just right. The addition of cream and chicken broth not only adds flavor but also makes it easier to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 egg
1 tablespoon chicken broth
1 ½ teaspoons heavy cream
Directions:
1. Beat ingredients together vigorously.
2. Heat a nonstick pan on low with just enough oil to coat the pan.
3. Pour egg mixture into the pan.
4. Stir gently as the egg starts to come together. Stir less for chunkier eggs.
Photo by Kai Huang
5. Take eggs off the heat once they are fluffy but not dry.
Photo by Kai Huang