The Art of Perfect Scrambled Eggs
Scrambling has long been one of the most popular ways to prepare eggs. We have a sneaking suspicion that this is probably because scrambled eggs are incredibly versatile and pair effortlessly with lots of other tasty foods. Or maybe it’s because they're one of the easiest breakfast foods to make: since you’re just mixing everything up, you're much less likely to wind up with something on your plate that you didn't plan on serving. Still, there are some simple tricks to the trade that will ensure that your scrambled eggs come out just the way you want them. Here's how to make the best scrambled eggs.
How to make perfect scrambled eggs:
-
Crack the desired number of eggs into a bowl, aiming for 2 or 3 per serving. Beat them lightly with a fork or whisk until the whites and yolks are well combined.
-
Turn your burner on low heat and melt a pat of butter in a non-stick frying pan, spreading the butter around as it melts. It may start to foam slightly, but don't let the butter burn or brown.
-
Turn the heat up to medium and add the eggs to the pan. With a heat-safe rubber spatula, stir the eggs. The key is to keep your spatula moving, mixing and folding the eggs constantly.
-
Once the eggs take on a slightly firm texture with a glossy sheen, they're done. If you like your eggs a bit dryer, cook for another minute. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Helpful tips and tricks:
-
Use the right sized pan. If the pan is too large, the egg mixture will be spread too thin and cook too quickly. If the pan is too small, the egg mixture will be too thick and will cook unevenly. The best pan will have your egg mixture at about a half of an inch thick.
-
Use plenty of butter! This will help keep the eggs from sticking to the pan.
-
When stirring, try pushing the egg mixture from the sides towards the middle to create extra large curds!
-
Consider mixing in a little bit of milk or water for some extra fluffy scrambled eggs!
Common scrambling mistakes:
-
Overcooking - Eggs cook at a very low temperature. We suggest removing the eggs from the heat source just before they are done. The remaining heat in the eggs will finish cooking them before they are served!
-
Overmixing - Eggs are high in protein, and the more you work protein the tougher it gets. Before cooking, we suggest mixing the egg white and yolk together until just combined; a few streaks is okay!
Recipes that call for scrambled eggs
While scrambled eggs are great all by themselves, nestling them next to a slice of buttered toast with bacon or sausage makes for a satisfying breakfast plate. Beyond that, there are lots of other ways to make them the basis of a more varied meal. From filling all the nooks and crannies of your loaded breakfast skillet to elevating homemade fried rice to new levels, the possibilities for scrambled eggs are endless. Brush up on your own scrambling skills or learn a new take on this breakfast basic with these scrambled egg recipes:
1. Sweet Potato Toast with Crispy Prosciutto, Scrambled Eggs, and Crème Fraîche
While swapping the standard bread for slices of roasted sweet potato may be what sets this breakfast plate apart, softly scrambled eggs with melty cheese are the foundation that holds these hearty toasts together.
2. Not Your Average Scrambled Eggs
A clear departure from your typical scrambling methods, this dairy-forward recipe calls for a dollop of goat cheese or spoonful of yogurt to give your scrambled eggs unrivaled richness and exceptional flavor.
3. Chinese Scrambled Eggs With Shrimp
If shrimp and scrambled eggs sounds like an unexpected pairing, this delicately balanced dish is a combo you've been missing out on. Broaden your scrambling skills with this recipe that uses peanut oil and a largely hands-off approach for soft, creamy scrambles every time.
4. Loaded Breakfast Egg Rolls
Unlock a new level of nostalgic comfort food by stuffing your scrambled eggs into these loaded breakfast egg rolls along with breakfast sausage, shredded potato, bacon, cheddar, and avocado. Try making these shareable snacks in the air fryer for less mess, and don't forget salsa for dipping!
5. Egg and Pepper Dumplings
Northern Chinese style dumpling wrappers give each bite a chewy, satisfying texture, but Japanese gyoza wrappers can be substituted for a crispier finish. The true star, however, is the filling; a treasure trove of fluffy eggs lightly seasoned with oyster sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil!
6. Egg and Kimchi Breakfast Quesadillas
If you’re looking for an easy brunch dish that tastes even better than restaurant quality you can’t miss this egg and kimchi quesadilla: the recipe uses just a handful ingredients like fluffy scrambled organic eggs, zucchini, melty cheese, and kimchi to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for Sunday brunch.
7. Breakfast Enchiladas with Red Sauce
These breakfast enchiladas are filled with scrambled eggs, sautéed peppers and onion, and your favorite breakfast sausage, then topped with Monterey Jack cheese and red enchilada sauce. Bonus: they're crowd-friendly and can be made ahead.
8. Quick Breakfast Quesadillas
There are so many things you can do with half an hour, but only one of them (hint: making this recipe) results in a crispy breakfast quesadilla oozing with cheese and stuffed to the seams with scrambled eggs, spinach, and crispy bacon bits.
9. Habanero Avocado Tostada
A heat-lover's breakfast for one, this tostada is loaded with the intense spicy-sweet flavor of habanero. This serves as a landing pad for mashed avocado, an egg soft-scrambled with shredded habanero cheddar, and more heat via a drizzle of habanero hot sauce!
10. Leftovers Breakfast Burrito
One of the benefits of scrambled eggs is their ability to transform last night's dinner into an easy, portable meal you can eat on the go. Try making these loaded burritos with your favorite tortillas or make your own to fill with scrambled eggs and the leftovers hiding in your fridge.