계란 후라이 Fried Egg Recipe

Bring eggs to room temperature

If eggs are refrigerated, take them out for 10–15 minutes so they warm slightly. Room-temperature eggs spread less and cook more evenly.

Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin and set aside. This makes it easy to slide eggs into the pan gently and remove shells if needed.

Heat the pan

Place a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and let it warm until it shimmers but does not smoke (about 1 minute). If using butter, add 1 teaspoon and let it melt and foam into the oil for flavor; reduce heat slightly if butter browns quickly.

Add the eggs

Gently slide each egg from its bowl into the skillet, leaving space between them. If you want perfectly round yolks for presentation, you can use an egg ring or pour carefully into separate small pans.

Cook whites through

Cook on medium-low so the whites set without the edges becoming too crisp. Cook until whites are opaque and mostly set but yolks remain runny, about 2–3 minutes. For firmer whites, cover the pan with a lid for 30–60 seconds to steam the tops.

For sunny-side-up with slightly set yolk

If you prefer the yolk surface slightly cooked but still runny, spoon a teaspoon of hot oil or melted butter from the pan over the yolk a couple of times, or baste with a spoon for 20–30 seconds.

For over-easy / over-medium

When whites are set, carefully slide a spatula under the egg and gently flip. Cook over-easy (10–15 seconds) for a very runny yolk, or over-medium (30–45 seconds) for a partially set yolk. Avoid pressing down on the yolk.

Remove the eggs from the pan with a thin spatula and transfer to a warm plate.

Season immediately with a pinch of salt (about 1/4–1/2 teaspoon per egg, total 1 teaspoon used above) and a grind of black pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.

If using scallions or chives, sprinkle over the eggs. Serve hot as a side with rice, toast, bibimbap, or as part of a breakfast platter. Offer soy sauce or a small dab of gochujang on the side if desired.

Estimated best served within 5 minutes for optimal texture.