Eggs are one of the most versatile foods, and the way they’re cooked can drastically change their taste and texture. Whether you prefer them basted, poached, scrambled, or sunny-side up, each method offers a unique experience. Let’s dive into the different styles, focusing on subtle variations like basted, over-easy, poached, and more, so you can master the art of cooking eggs to your exact preference.

1. Basted Eggs

Basting eggs involves cooking them with a small amount of water or butter, then covering them with a lid to allow steam to cook the top. This method results in tender whites and yolks that range from runny to firm, depending on how long they cook. Here are the variations:

• Basted Soft: The whites are fully set, but the yolk remains runny and creamy. Steaming just long enough for the whites to solidify leaves the yolk perfect for dipping.
• Basted Medium: The whites are firm, and the yolk is partially cooked, offering a balance between runny and set. This is ideal if you like some fluidity in your yolk but not too much.
• Basted Hard: The whites and yolks are both fully cooked. The yolk will be firm and crumbly, perfect for those who prefer no liquid yolk at all.

2. Over-Easy, Over-Medium, and Over-Hard Eggs

The “over” method refers to frying eggs on one side, then flipping them over for the second part of cooking. The key difference between over-easy, over-medium, and over-hard eggs lies in how long you cook the yolk.

• Over-Easy: After flipping, the egg is cooked just briefly, leaving the yolk mostly runny. The whites are firm, but the yolk is still liquid and perfect for those who love dipping toast.
• Over-Medium: The yolk is slightly set but still retains some softness. It’s not as runny as over-easy but isn’t completely firm either, giving a creamy texture.
• Over-Hard: Both the whites and yolk are fully cooked, with the yolk completely firm. This method is best for those who prefer no runniness in their eggs at all.

3. Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are cooked by gently simmering them in water without their shell. The result is a tender egg with delicate whites and a range of yolk textures depending on the cooking time.

• Poached Soft: The whites are firm but tender, while the yolk remains completely runny. This is the classic poached egg texture, perfect for placing atop toast or an eggs Benedict.
• Poached Medium: The yolk is partially set, offering a creamy but not fully runny texture. This is a great middle ground for those who like a bit of fluidity but prefer some solidity in the yolk.
• Poached Hard: Both the whites and yolk are fully set. The yolk will be firm, making it ideal for those who want to avoid any liquid in their egg.

4. Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are beaten together before cooking, creating a uniform, fluffy texture. The level of doneness can vary depending on personal preference:

• Soft Scrambled: These eggs are cooked at a low temperature and gently stirred to create creamy, custard-like curds. Soft scrambled eggs are perfect for those who prefer a delicate texture.
• Medium Scrambled: The eggs are fully cooked but still moist, with a balance of firmness and softness. This is the most common style of scrambled eggs, retaining moisture while being well-cooked.
• Hard Scrambled: These eggs are cooked until fully set and have a firmer, drier texture. Hard scrambled eggs are ideal for those who like their eggs more cooked through without any moisture.

5. Sunny-Side Up Eggs

Sunny-side up eggs are fried on one side and not flipped, resulting in whites that are set but tender and a yolk that remains completely runny. The name comes from the yolk’s bright appearance, resembling the sun. This method is perfect for those who enjoy a very liquid yolk and a lightly cooked white.

Conclusion

Eggs can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit any preference, from the gentle steaming of basted eggs to the rich creaminess of poached or soft-scrambled eggs. Whether you prefer a runny yolk with over-easy eggs or the firm texture of over-hard or basted hard, there’s a cooking method for everyone. Now that you know the subtle differences between each style, you can cook your eggs exactly how you like them every time!