In our previous articles, we’ve talked about scrambled eggs and concluded that making them is not as easy as it sounds. You must use the right pan to ensure it’s adequately heated; add adequate fat and eggs, and make sure you don’t overdry them. We presented you scrambled eggs recipe and gave step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
The one thing we didn’t discuss is what is the best temperature for scrambled eggs?
As you might know, all recipes have temperatures that turn out best, and recipes “heat until hot” don’t tell you enough.
A food thermometer is an irreplaceable kitchen tool that will help you easily measure the temperature of the food you’re preparing. Egg Safety Center says you should cook scrambled eggs at 144-158° F. That temperature will destroy potential bacteria in the egg white or egg yolk and leave you with a delicious meal.
In the table below, you can see safe temperatures when preparing various egg dishes:
| Egg dish | Recommended temperature |
|---|---|
| Omelets and frittatas | 160 °F |
| Scrambled eggs and fried eggs (over easy, over hard) | 144-158 °F |
| Egg white omelet | 144-149 °F |
| Poached eggs | 144-158 °F |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 160 °F |
| Baked Custards, quiches, casseroles, French toast, strata | 160 °F |
| Stirred custards, eggnog, and ice-cream bases | 160 °F |
| Pie meringues | 144-149 °F |
Is there a difference are you using an electric or gas stove?
Using an electric vs. gas stove is a matter of personal preference, but there is a common misconception that gas stoves are a hotter option. Hotter isn’t always the better, and gas stoves are not burning more. Open flame allows heat escape, while an electric stove heats the dishes with its entire surface. Also, an electric stove at a high temperature can burn your dish in no time if you’re not careful.
Here are the temperatures that correspond to the settings on your electric stove, from low to high:
| Setting: | Temperature: |
|---|---|
| Low | < 225° to 249° |
| Medium-low | 250° to 324° |
| Medium | 325° to 374° |
| Medium-high | 375° to 449° |
| High | 450° to 650°+ |
Keep in mind that these are rough predictions. The electric stove’s strength can vary depending on the producer. The best way to check it is to heat a stove, put the flat pan on it, and add some oil. When oil gets to the smoking point, take a food thermometer, and measure the temperature.
Why is adequate temperature important for scrambled eggs?
When you make scrambled eggs, everything is in balance. The temperature should be hot enough to kill any bacteria that could potentially be in the egg, making your meal safe for health. However, in addition to safety, you also want scrambled eggs to be tasty.
If you put the eggs on a high setting, they will cook too quickly and become dry. We recommend that you prepare scrambled eggs in a low-medium setting. It will take a little longer, but the eggs will be safe for consumption and, at the same time, juicy because they will retain some moisture.
What about egg temperature – should eggs be at room temperature before scrambling?
In one of our previous articles, we discussed the best methods of egg storage. A general recommendation of the U.S. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is that you should not store eggs at room temperature for more than two hours. You should store eggs in the refrigerator to prevent the development of bacteria.
However, when preparing the batter for some cakes or cookies, it is recommended that all the ingredients are at room temperature. This is not the case with scrambled eggs. Take the eggs out of the fridge just before you start cooking them. Feel free to add cold eggs and butter to the pan – it won’t affect the taste or texture of the scrambled eggs.
