We all know that eggs are one of the most nutritionally valuable foods, while they are also very available and easy to find. That’s why eggs can be seen as a favorite breakfast on tables across America. While some people prefer soft or hard-boiled eggs, a large number of those like fried – sunny side up, omelets, or scrambled eggs.
That’s where we come to the problem. Although eggs are always delicious, sometimes they do not turn out exactly as we would like. The yolk can spill, and often the eggs stick to the pan, which can irritate.
How to keep eggs from sticking to the pan? The answer seems obvious – we need some fat, but which one is the best? We have tried several types of fat for frying eggs and decided which one works best. If you’re looking for an answer to how to keep eggs from sticking, keep reading – the answers are below. We will also consider other factors that impact on quality of fried eggs.
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Factors to pay attention to when frying eggs
You may think that frying eggs does not require special skills – turn on the stove, put the pan, a little fat, and pour the eggs – that’s all you need. However, the little secrets of the great chefs will make your eggs not stick to the pan and slide perfectly from the pan to the plate every time.
Heat level
The heat level is significant when frying eggs. If your hob, and therefore the pan, is extremely hot, the eggs will stick to the pan’s surface and burn instead of being nicely moderately and evenly baked. If the hob is not warm enough and you put the eggs in a pan that is only slightly warm, the eggs will be soaked in fat and will be tasteless.
The ideal temperature for frying eggs is between 250 and 325 degrees Fahrenheit, which corresponds to a medium to high setting on the stove. If you use a higher temperature, your eggs will probably burn.
How to check if the pan is warm enough? Throw a few drops of water on the pan. If the drops remain like a small pool in a pan, it is not warm enough. If the drops of water start evaporating and sizzling, the pan is warm enough; you can begin frying eggs.
The type of pan you use
Many pans are available today – from ceramic to the simplest metal models – equally suitable for frying eggs. Add a little fat and heat it to the right temperature, and voila!
Consider investing in a non-stick frying pan to make frying eggs more advanced.
Should non-stick pans be greased before frying eggs? Yes, we would advise you to do so. Grease the non-stick pan with a small amount of oil while it is still cold until you put it on the hob. Heat could damage the ceramic surface of this pan if the pan stays on the heated stove for a long time without any grease.
Type of fat
As for fat for frying eggs, you can use all types of fats – olive oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, coconut, and all other oils, but also lard, cooking spray, or butter. The best option is butter. Our impression is that all other options are better than cooking spray.
Use the right amount of fat – if you have a non-stick frying pan, the amount corresponding to one teaspoon will be enough. Ensure the fat is heated enough before adding the eggs to the pan.
How to fry eggs in a non-stick pan without sticking?
Although most people use non-stick pans, eggs stick to them, which can be frustrating. If you follow the following steps, your eggs will slide off the non-stick stick:
- Be careful when washing a non-stick pan. Even the most minor scratches will destroy the ceramic surface of the dish and will cause food to stick during preparation. Also, ensure that the pan is perfectly clean every time you use it – without traces of pre-cooking and leftover food.
- Cooking spray works great when baking, but it’s not ideal for frying because it can make the food rubbery. Instead of cooking spray, use butter, olive, or coconut oil in a much smaller amount than you would put in a “regular” pan. Just a few drops of oil or a small cube of butter will be enough to keep the eggs from sticking to the surface of the non-stick pan.
- When you grease the pan, don’t forget the spatula with which you mix or turn the eggs. Grease it with a small amount of oil or butter. Never use a metal spatula when preparing eggs in a non-stick pan, as it will damage its surface.
How to fry eggs in a “regular” stainless steel pan without sticking?
Stainless steel pans undoubtedly have their advantages, but food sticks to them more often than non-stick pans. Reason? Stainless steel pans heat up faster, which causes burns. However, that doesn’t mean you must give up your favorite dishes. Here’s how to perfectly fry eggs in this frying pan model:
- Use a medium setting on your stove to heat the pan. A high setting could release too much heat and cause the egg to stick. Use a water test to make sure the pan is warm enough.
- When using a stainless steel pan, you will need more grease for lubrication than a non-stick pan. Make sure to lubricate all parts of the pan well – the edges as well, so that there is no sticking. Use butter or vegetable oil. Vegetable oil contains lecithin, which can prevent food from sticking when frying in this pan.
- When the oil is warm enough (it should not smoke, it is a sign that it is too hot), pour the scrambled eggs into the pan. Leave it to “stay” in the pan for 10 seconds, and only then stir it. Your scrambled eggs should soon be perfectly fried – without sticking.
Final words
Eggs sticking to the pan can be a source of frustration and spoil your appetite, but if you follow our tips – choose the suitable dishes, turn on the stove to the right temperature and add enough fat, this problem will no longer occur.
Do you have a trick on how to keep eggs from sticking?
Please share it with us in the comments.
Citation:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/egg-cooking-mistakes-4140619
- https://thepan-handler.com/how-to-keep-eggs-from-sticking-to-pan/
- https://delishably.com/dairy/perfectscramble