Fried Egg Recipe

Bring eggs to room temperature

If your eggs are refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to reduce shock when hitting the pan and help whites set more evenly. If short on time, proceed directly from cold but cook gently.

Gather tools

Have a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet (8–10 inch) ready, a spatula, a small bowl for cracking (optional), and a plate lined with paper towel for resting.

Heat the pan

Place the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the oil and butter to the cold pan, then let them melt and combine gently. Heat until butter foams but does not brown, about 1–2 minutes. The fat should shimmer but not smoke.

Crack the eggs

Crack each egg into a small bowl or cup (helps avoid shells and keeps yolks intact). Gently slide the eggs from the bowl into the skillet spaced slightly apart.

Set the whites

Let the eggs cook undisturbed over medium-low heat until the whites are mostly set and opaque around the yolk edges, about 2–3 minutes. For more even cooking, you can cover the pan with a lid for the last 30–60 seconds to trap steam and set the whites without flipping.

Optional baste for glossy whites

If you prefer glossy, slightly set whites without covering, tilt the pan and spoon hot melted butter/oil over the whites and around yolks for 15–30 seconds, being careful not to break the yolks.

For sunny-side up

Cook until whites are fully set but yolks remain runny, about 3–4 minutes total. Remove with a thin spatula and transfer to the prepared plate. Season immediately with a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper.

For over-easy/medium/hard (optional)

To flip, run a thin spatula under each egg, lift gently, and turn over. For over-easy cook 10–20 seconds after flipping for a very runny yolk; over-medium 30–45 seconds for slightly jammy yolk; over-hard 1–2 minutes until yolk is fully cooked. Season after plating.

Finish & garnish

Sprinkle optional chopped herbs and flaky sea salt if using. Serve immediately while hot.

Place fried eggs on toast, rice, a bowl, or alongside breakfast items. Enjoy while the yolk is at your preferred doneness.