Sunny side up eggs are a breakfast classic, loved for their golden, runny yolks and perfectly cooked whites. Achieving the ideal sunny side up egg is not complicated, but it does require a bit of attention to detail. Below is a detailed recipe to help you create flawless sunny side up eggs every time.

1. Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh large eggs
  • 1–2 teaspoons of butter or cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil)
  • A pinch of salt
  • A pinch of black pepper (optional)

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl

Instructions

Prepare the skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add the butter or oil and allow it to melt or heat until it begins to shimmer. Ensure the pan is evenly coated to prevent sticking.

Crack the eggs: Crack each egg into a small bowl. This ensures you don’t accidentally break the yolk and allows you to remove any stray pieces of shell.

Add the eggs to the pan: Gently slide the eggs from the bowl into the skillet, one at a time. Be careful to keep the yolks intact.

Cook the eggs: Allow the eggs to cook undisturbed on low to medium-low heat. The whites will begin to set while the yolks remain soft and runny.

Cover the skillet (optional): For a slightly firmer white on top, cover the skillet with a lid for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This traps steam, helping the top of the whites cook without flipping the egg.

Check for doneness: The whites should be fully set with no translucent areas, while the yolks remain bright and runny. Remove the eggs from the skillet once they reach your desired doneness.

Season and serve: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the eggs. Serve immediately.

2. Tips for Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs

Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs have firmer whites and yolks, making them easier to cook and ensuring the yolks remain intact.

Cook on low heat: High heat can cause the whites to overcook or develop crispy edges before the yolks are ready. Low heat allows for even cooking.

Non-stick pans are key: A good non-stick skillet makes it easier to slide the eggs out without breaking the yolks.

Don’t rush: Patience is crucial. Cooking the eggs slowly ensures tender whites without burning.

Butter vs. oil: Butter adds a rich flavor, while oil provides a cleaner taste. Choose based on your preference.

Avoid flipping: To keep the yolks intact and the “sunny side” visible, do not flip the eggs. Covering the skillet briefly helps cook the tops of the whites without flipping.

Season carefully: Add salt and pepper after cooking to avoid discoloring the yolks or whites.

3. Recipes & Ideas Using Sunny Side Up Eggs

Sunny side up eggs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes beyond breakfast. Here are a few ideas:

Avocado Toast with Sunny Side Up Eggs

Top a slice of toasted sourdough bread with smashed avocado, a sunny side up egg, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hearty and nutritious breakfast.

Breakfast Bowl

Serve sunny side up eggs over a bowl of quinoa or rice, sautéed spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a balanced meal.

Burgers

Add a sunny side up egg to your favorite burger for an extra layer of richness. The runny yolk acts as a delicious sauce.

Ratatouille with Eggs

Top a serving of warm ratatouille or vegetable stew with sunny side up eggs for a flavorful, protein-packed meal.

Noodles or Ramen

Place a sunny side up egg on top of a bowl of ramen or stir-fried noodles. The yolk adds creaminess to the dish.

Salad Topping

Use sunny side up eggs as a topping for a mixed greens salad. The yolk acts as a rich dressing when broken over the greens.

Tacos

Fill tortillas with sautéed vegetables, beans, cheese, and a sunny side up egg for a quick and satisfying taco.

Sunny side up eggs are as simple to prepare as they are delicious. With this recipe and tips, you’ll master the art of cooking them, and you’ll have plenty of ideas to incorporate them into meals beyond breakfast.

Avatar photo

Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

Write A Comment