No matter what I do I can’t fry eggs
Posted by vlridian@reddit | shittyfoodporn | View on Reddit | 302 comments
26 years on this earth and no matter what i do i cannot fry an egg successfully. I was trying to find my other equally fucked up examples over the years but they were all so awful my phone doesn’t recognise them when i type in Fried Egg
Ghoulglum@reddit
I can fry them, but I need to cook them one at a time or I mess them up.
Do_I_Need_Pants@reddit
From what I can see..
lebetepuante@reddit
Dumbbitchathon@reddit
Nonstick pan is actively giving them cancer
lebetepuante@reddit
So is the sun.
Dumbbitchathon@reddit
And that’s why I wear sunscreen 😎
lebetepuante@reddit
That reduces your risk, it doesn't make it zero.
Whether your risk is higher than using a nonstick pan that the American Cancer Society says has no evidence of causing cancer has yet to be determined.
SnooBananas4494@reddit
Yes, reducing risk is the goal. If sunscreen reduces risk, smart. Seatbelts reduce risk. I’m sure you reduce risk in many ways. You choose to use a nonstick pan, and new ones without scratches that never see a metal tool are prob super low risk. So is cast iron. And you get iron, which can be helpful.
lebetepuante@reddit
Reducing risk from a measurable danger, not some vague mommy-blog fear mongering.
I don't compare nonstick pans to sunscreen, I compared them to walking in the sun.
Dumbbitchathon@reddit
Do 15 minutes of reading about the Dupont chemical company and get back to me on that
SnooBananas4494@reddit
I don’t have fucking kids, lol, I never wanted them. I smoke cigarettes! Lmao, but a simple google search says damaged teflon results in microplastics, blah blah. Yeah, you’re totally right, of the two sunscreen is the better bet. And not smoking. I was just offering an idea that maybe not Teflon? Idgaf
lebetepuante@reddit
You don't need kids to regurgitate bullshit from mommy blogs.
Key point here:
In other words, talking out of your ass. You complain about fickle redditors, but you're the epitome of the shit redditor, someone bullshitting as if they know what they are talking about when they clearly do not.
ABagOfMilk@reddit
Name checks out
kr4t0s007@reddit
With a stainless steel pan. Nonstick is always junk.
lebetepuante@reddit
Meh, it has its uses for some foods.
LePontif11@reddit
I don't think that can be denied but after learning to use a cast iron for the foods i tend to make i just don't see much reason for a teflon pan. I make fish, eggs and crepes on mine and while it took some learning to get all those right nome of it was that bad.
Kind-Medium7540@reddit
Time. Most nonstick are cheap and thus made of aluminum, which is an excellent conductor of heat. I can throw a nonstick omelette pan on a medium to medium high burner and in under 2 minutes it’s ready to go. I’ll have 2 dozen eggs fried in the time it takes for a cast iron to heat up.
zicdeh91@reddit
Cast iron is locked into a very specific pro/con ratio for the same reason: thermal mass. It works for what it does because there’s so much of it. The rough surface holding polymerized oil as well as it does is honestly secondary to just having a thick-ass pan that will stay the same temp for a long time.
Carbon steel heats up much more quickly, mostly because it’s thinner. Once you understand temps well it covers most of the bases cast-iron is wildly inconvenient at, buuut for the same reason, if you don’t understand temps, its easy to mess up with. You just have to season it a bit more frequently since it has a smooth surface.
Or just grab a decent non-stick for those few tasks you’d need one for, and don’t burn the shit out of it.
mozaryyjd@reddit
Weight is also a factor lol
lebetepuante@reddit
And regardless of what some cast iron die-hards claim, nonstick is less sticky than cast iron.
I make corned beef hash in a nonstick skillet from cold with no fat, it works fine and ends up leaving enough fat in the pan to fry the accompanying egg. Try that in cast iron, ain't gonna happen.
LePontif11@reddit
Its just me and my gf for now so that's not really a use case that's relevant to my personal use. That being said i rarely throw stuff from the fridge to the pan. I usually have more than enough tome to heat it up as i prep the food.
Outrageous_Aspect373@reddit
It's true, on the other hand cast iron is brutal if you have arthritis or other kinds of degenerative joint, muscle, tendon, and / or bone issues. Also, some cook tops are a bit delicate for cast iron.
jivens77@reddit
Misen just released a carbon non-stick pan. It's like a hybrid of non-stick and carbon steel, and you can use metal utensils without ruining it. No Teflon involved, and the more you use it, the more seasoning will build up, and it's nowhere near as heavy as cast iron.
Julian_Sark@reddit
Teflon sucked. This new marbled granite non-stick stuff is epic, even in the 15 bucks model.
stefanica@reddit
I got one of those pans ~6 years ago . It only gets used for eggs and (ironically) pot sticker dumplings, and it looks brand new and works great.
C-Lekktion@reddit
Which is still teflon.
Granitium is standard PTFE non-stick (teflon) with tiny grains of aluminium oxide ceramic reinforcement thst makes it a little more durable and harder to scratch.
Rolion576@reddit
Asking since you seem knowledgeable on this: how does just straight ceramic stand (assuming using non-metal cooking utensils)? Got a set that was well taken care of from my mom, but I’d been eyeing stainless For a while.
WillowFlip@reddit
They've recently discovered that ceramic may not be as safe as first thought. See link below:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/09/ceramic-nontoxic-cookware
I used to use it, but I found it's nonstick properties weaker than say cast-iron, and it didn't seem very durable; it seems to get scratches really quickly even without metal utensils and careful cleaning.
Rolion576@reddit
Oh cheers, thanks for the link!
Julian_Sark@reddit
Aw crap I fell for marketing. 🤬
Thanks ... I guess?
Lucariowolf2196@reddit
Me with a stainless steel pan:
watching videos on how to cook an egg with stainless steel
follows the steps exactly
egg wields itself onto the pan and refuses to be removed
kr4t0s007@reddit
Haha yeah egg is one of the trickiest things. What I do and works perfectly 95% of the time. Warm (not too hot) the pan, add oil (usually olive) shouldn’t smoke then it’s too hot. Warm further get it hot just but don’t let the oil smoking and burn, add eggs(s). Lower the fire after like 30 seconds
zeekkeyz@reddit
Well seasoned cast iron and you can't go wrong.
zeekkeyz@reddit
Guy above me edited his comment and added cast iron rendering my suggestion mute 🤣🤣 ¯_/(ツ)_/¯
Plane-Tie6392@reddit
*moot
Granite_0681@reddit
Not great for flat top stoves. I need pans that won’t scratch up my stove surface whenever I move them.
zeekkeyz@reddit
Mine work great on my flat top. I think a few scratches are probably inevitable what ever you use.
Northbound-Narwhal@reddit
Well seasoned cast iron is to ceramic as pigeon keeping is to text messaging
Shoelesshobos@reddit
I hate stainless for eggs
tdoger@reddit
It’s more non-stick than a ceramic or teflon if done right with eggs, but it’s just finicky and has to be done right.
Cast iron and stainless is all you need and they work far better, but they do come with learning curves that might not be worth it for everybody.
LGreyS@reddit
And eggs should really be floated on butter.
Do_I_Need_Pants@reddit
I fucking love my cast iron. I pretty much only use my Dutch oven, cast iron, and wok.
WillowFlip@reddit
This is the way. I used to use a bit of ceramic nonstick and stuff, but they are so fragile, fiddly, etc. I now use exclusively stainless steel and cast iron. I can confidently say that they've really upped my cooking game. They are amazing once you pass that learning curve for how to use them correctly. I do not miss nonstick cookware at all because their non-stick properties are good if used correctly.
149162536496481@reddit
I made the switch to cast iron and stainless steel just so I could use metal utensils.
WillowFlip@reddit
Yay! I use both wood and stainless utensils. I got rid of all the plastic stuff and am so happy at how well the wood and stainless works and lasts.
Cool-Role-6399@reddit
First mistake
Solution: Get Carbon steel and season it properly.
Plane-Tie6392@reddit
BS. Nonstick is the best egg pan.
Cool-Role-6399@reddit
Have You ever learned how to cook eggs on Carbon steel?
lebetepuante@reddit
Instead of challenging them on their experience, why not outline what makes carbon steel better for cooking eggs?
I could argue that nonstick is lighter, faster to heat/cool, needs less fat, and requires less maintenance. Yes, I have used cooked eggs on both carbon steel and cast iron.
Cool-Role-6399@reddit
I can also cook eggs on SS, however I find this to be the hardest to master definitely not for beginners. It also depends on the pan. In my experience, older SS pans perform better than new ones.
Regarding Carbon steel, the patina (if properly seasoned) is as good as any non-stick pan. It doesnt scratch and you can be 100% sure that you are not consuming (or inhaling) Teflon. My point goes around this specific issue.
About cooking on a carbon steel. It requires technique and practice, like any other matter. The secret for eggs is temperature and fat. Too hot and they will burn and stick, too low and it will take very long.
Here's my technique (for carbon steel):
lebetepuante@reddit
This just isn't true, I don't know why so many carbon/cast owners try to convince themselves of this.
I could cut a russet potato into cubes, then cook them cold in a nonstick pan without using any oil. I could toast fresh rice noodles without any oil. Corned beef hash from a can with no oil, no problem no sticking.
If you can do any of that with carbon steel I'd love to see a video of it.
Cool-Role-6399@reddit
I certainly can't do all that on a carbon steel. I like to use some fat/oil when I cook, for various reasons, one is flavor and another is prevent food from sticking. Sometimes, You actually want some sticking (fond) to prepare a pan sauce. Try to do that in your non-stick.
I don't know how you can eat corn beef from a can either or keep using Teflon after all the info available on toxicity. That tells me that your pallate and/or cooking skills may not be the best to give advice. Thank You though.
lebetepuante@reddit
So we agree then that carbon steel, no matter how well seasoned, isn't as nonstick as Teflon. I wouldn't try to make something with a fond using nonstick, I'd use stainless steel. I can eat corned beef hash from a can because it tastes good, and you are obviously as misinformed about toxicity as you were about how nonstick carbon steel is.
Your carbon steel is better claim has boiled down to... you can make a fond (nonsensical since that isn't what a nonstick pan is for) and regurgitating Mommy blog fear mongering about toxicity.
I'm sorry that your self-esteem is to the point where you have to identify yourself with a pan material, then get exposed as being clueless about it. Carry on.
Few-Split-3026@reddit
That pan needs to be tossed right now.
SaulTNuhtz@reddit
I wouldn’t be surprised if the pan is as old as OP and was handed down by his mum who swore it was the best pan for frying an egg.
SoftlySpokenPromises@reddit
Yeah, I'd be more worried about eating bits of pan than how my eggs look
Writiste@reddit
I think I can see some bits of pan on top!
bigduckmoses@reddit
I've tried nothing and I'm all out of ideas!
Plus-Mulberry6761@reddit
Correct observation. I was always taught; never to crack an egg into a pan that’s too cold or too hot
Plane-Tie6392@reddit
I don't crack eggs in the pan anyway in case of shell.
Plus-Mulberry6761@reddit
But.. that’s what you do to fry an egg? What do you crack it into before it goes in the pan?
Plane-Tie6392@reddit
A mug usually.
Plus-Mulberry6761@reddit
Fair enough. Horses for courses
Arod0521@reddit
Exactly
Ok_Researcher_9796@reddit
I have cooled eggs many times in a blazing hot wok and never had this issue. I think heat is the least of his problems. Dirty, or no oil is most likely, or just a really crappy pan.
beliefinphilosophy@reddit
I exclusively do blazing hot pan, with high temp oil.
30-60 seconds per side. Delicious.
FoxxyRin@reddit
Yeah I truly don’t understand when people say a pan is too hot for eggs. The only thing wrong with too hot is sometimes the whites don’t set all the way. Otherwise I do my eggs in the hottest pan possible just to purposely get the crispy edges and they never stick.
Granite_0681@reddit
But if you are learning to cook eggs, cooking hot gives you absolutely no wiggle room. Also, it depends on how you want the yolk. I want my eggs over medium. If the pan is really hot, you end up more with over easy.
Finally, I HATE crispy eggs or the lacey edges you can get. If it gets a skin on the white, I have to peel it off. Cooking low and slow is the only way.
devon_336@reddit
I cook omelets in a ceramic nonstick pan and I still throw in a pat of butter to melt before I pour in the eggs. Medium-high heat and it cooks up fine.
Fat is flavor and the butter helps the egg to slide around.
So not enough butter/oil and a thoroughly roached out skillet are OP’s problems lol.
BootsOfProwess@reddit
OP: when you get a new nonstick pan, please use a much gentler heat. Be sure not to heat the pan dry. Use fat or oil. You can also use the pan to skillet poach if you have a lid. Just a thin layer of simmering water, add eggs and cover. Do this for health, strength and vitality!
Do_I_Need_Pants@reddit
Honestly OP should get a cast iron.
Vanesti@reddit
They can't handle caring for a regular pan. How fast do you think a cast iron would be all pitted rust.
Do_I_Need_Pants@reddit
That’s a valid point.
striped_velvet@reddit
Also looks like the pan might be too thin
lagflag@reddit
I did before a zero oil fried egg. It came normal in color comparing to this. Burnt oil is my guess though
Im_The_Squishy@reddit
Yep that shit was hot AF.
Opening-Profit7945@reddit
My ex couldn't cook eggs... I dont typically trust people like you lol
Brynhild@reddit
My ex couldn’t too and it was just a symptom of everything else that was wrong. No common sense for one, no drive to actually look something up to learn, kept doing the same thing over and over and asking why it didn’t work instead of listening to advice to change what she was doing. She also did laundry “wrong” in the fucking washine machine. Like i dont even know how she could put too much detergent or too little, or how she overstuffed the machine when clearly there’s a line in the soap box. Plus the victim mentality
Opening-Profit7945@reddit
Lol its like we dated the same person 😂
xxXTinyHippoXxx@reddit
I usually cover mine in the pan so that the top cooks a bit and the bottom doesn't outpace the top by too much.
dopelessh0pefiend@reddit
If u cant cook eggs u need to get a book maybe like cooking for dummies lol. Eggs are easier than ramen
Cainjake@reddit
Get an actual non stick pan medium heat butter in the pan in goes the egg cook for a few minutes
Current-Weird-4227@reddit
Need to clean the pan, use a slightly lower heat and my personal tip is get a lid, so it traps the heat and cooks more evenly
Jamory76@reddit
Ok, this isn’t that hard. Med low heat, add some butter (or bacon grease). It doesn’t matter if a pan claims to be nonstick, it still needs oil. And a good spatula. Silicon or plastic for non-stick pans. Personally the best thing to cook an egg in is a well seasoned cast iron pan. But it looks like you used a dry pan and med high to high heat. As you get better cooking, you’ll learn most things need lower heat. The only thing you need high heat for is searing.
On your next attempt bring it up a couple notches. Toss 2-3 strips of bacon in a room temp pan. Put the heat on medium low (if you see smoke it’s too hot). Cook your bacon and remove , crack your eggs add to bacon grease. Little salt and pepper. But I can’t emphasize enough….low heat! Your pan will thank you as well. Most of these non-stick can’t handle anything higher than medium.
-janelleybeans-@reddit
Medium heat. Let heat for 1 minute. Add oil or butter (canola is my go-to) add eggs, if they immediately start flipping out turn the heat down by ⅓. Salt and pepper. Add a few drops of water to the pan and cover with a lid for 2 minutes for 2 eggs. Add about 30s per additional egg in the pan.
Boom. Perfectly basted eggs.
LePontif11@reddit
Its pretty obvious that if you literally can't physically use something it you shouldn't get it. It goes without saying.
Prancer4rmHalo@reddit
Use a decent slice of butter.
If the butter starts smoking or turning brown it’s too hot.
Eggs cook really fast.
Top_Reflection_8680@reddit
What helped me the most is these little silicone egg molds. Spray with oil, put oil or butter on the pan as well. Crack the egg into the mold and run a spatula or knife or whatever along the sides to make sure it’s not sticking. Crack some pepper and salt on it. Once the first side is done (try to remove the mold and if the whites stay in place it’s ready) it’ll be way easier to flip because it’s not running all over the place, it’ll be a perfect lil circle. https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwjp3Nn0zr-PAxUzKEQIHTOeFQsYACICCAEQIBoCZHo&co=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dzZ9M6_jwMVMyhECB0znhULEAQYBSABEgKeYPD_BwE&sph=&cce=1&sig=AOD64_2HpWnYkCbcZRbVImHTy1RQC5fbrQ&ctype=70&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiiy9T0zr-PAxUlC0QIHfzJLXMQwg8oAHoECAcQLA&adurl=
SlopPatrol@reddit
Heat too high, non stick isn’t non sticking anymore and no lube for the pan. All things that can be fixed at YouTube university
JakeTimesTwo@reddit
Use lots of butter, or oil, half the heat, and a little more care. Just YouTube it if you can’t do it after that
TekieScythe@reddit
Do not buy pans with that black coating. Get a metal one. They cost a little bit more but they're worth so much more. Even a basic stainless steel one.
Wrestler7777777@reddit
Stainless steel is even cheaper than non stick ones depending on which pan you buy. Doesn't have to be from a luxury brand.
Plus, stainless steel pans are almost impossible to destroy. There's no coating on them. The only way you can destroy them is by getting them way too hot and immediately cooling them down with water again a bunch of times. But apart from that you'll never have to replace them.
TekieScythe@reddit
I've got stainless steel pans in my house older than I am that are still perfect to use.
Wrestler7777777@reddit
Yes, exactly! It is almost impossible to ruin them. You'd have to try very very hard to do so. Like run them on a cooktop on maximum power and get them way too hot.
More people should use stainless steel. I really regret that I've been buying new non stick pans every couple of years for all my life. Only a few months ago I gave stainless steel a chance. And I'll never go back.
tetrodoboxen@reddit
Oil
Sad-Bet3861@reddit
Try butter or bacon grease to prevent sticking
slothson@reddit
Are you using oil?? Also dont max heat the thing. Youll get it. Its not that hard. I heard a chef say that the greatest chefs can mess up on a scrambled egg.
aequusnox@reddit
26 years and you still haven't figured out your stovetop isn't binary and has multiple heat settings between off and full throttle?
Aleksandrovitch@reddit
I had a roommate that heat blasted every meal she cooked because “she didn’t have time to wait for a low heat.”
I tried explaining she was eating a lot of unnecessary carbon, as well as some Teflon, but it didn’t matter.
I made her some pan fried salmon once (crunchy skin, slow cooked flesh, butter basted) and it was good, but not my best you know?
And she made me cry with how much she loved it. She’d never had home cooking like that, never learned it like that, and never just saw someone cook food while chatting.
I love cooking for people who haven’t experienced good home cooking. Experiencing that myself when I was younger is why I cook so much more now (and lockdown…).
Hundike@reddit
It's especially hard when you grew up with parents who don't cook or cook poorly. My husband grew up in a household where they cooked pretty poorly, for ages he said his mom used to make this amazing stuff but after I started branching out on different (and better quality) meals, he said says his mom was not a good cook at all.
The hob might make some difference here as well for the OP, some electric ones get way too hot.
robmobtrobbob@reddit
It took me until 32, after at least a decade of cooking, disappointed exes, and burnt meals to learn this lesson.
aequusnox@reddit
It's never too late to see the light.
JustKindaShimmy@reddit
Instructions unclear, cracked egg directly onto the sun
Aleksandrovitch@reddit
Pan on medium low.
Oil in pan (2 tablespoons). Butter or ghee work too.
While oil heats, crack eggs into a bowl. Avoid shells or broken yolks.
When oil is heated (5-8m), pour eggs in, and put lid on pan.
Wait until whites are fully opaque and set, and white just appears around the edge of the yolks.
Remove lid, season with fresh cracked pepper, salt, smoke paprika.
Slide eggs out onto fresh toasts.
Cover in chopped green onion, drizzle with chipotle Tabasco.
Eat.
workyworkaccount@reddit
Putting a lid on frying eggs is a game changer.
Dependent_Dust_3968@reddit
Sliiiiiide eggs. So exciting 😍
Yeah, I use a lid with a cast iron pan. Fun stuff. Good eggs.
ResidentJabroni@reddit
Pretty much all of this.
Cracking into a bowl mitigates the chances of breaking the yolk compared to cracking directly into a pan that's heated, and gives you an opportunity to scoop out any broken shells more neatly.
The butter/oil is necessary to help keep the egg loose in the pan, and also crisps the edges if preferred. Plus, flavor.
The lid is a nice touch in that it steams the whites from above and makes flipping optional since the top side will already be set and cooked.
Oranges13@reddit
Most cooking issues are because you're using too much heat. Turn it the fuck down and be patient.
No-Elephant4615@reddit
What is this horror? How long has it been since you dammit washed that pan?....frying an egg on a non-stick pan is within everyone's reach......you have to stop it..all you need is some very hot oil then crack the egg in
forogtten_taco@reddit
Get a brand new (relatively cheep $25) Teflon pan. They only last 3-5 years, then they are not longer non stick.
A brand new pan you wont even need oil to fry an egg
HighSodiumLowLife@reddit
Your eggs are too wet when you put them in. Need to dry them off a little before you fry them.
awill316@reddit
I recently learned how to fry eggs in stainless steel. Did wonders for my superiority complex.
Apprehensive_Bee614@reddit
Oil/butter in pan. Heat pan when oil bubbles. Crazy egg in bowl. Add to pan. Add a little water and cover pan with lid.
Dekutr33@reddit
Rage bait. Op isn't replying to comments
vlridian@reddit (OP)
cus i’m lazy
Cold-Independence556@reddit
It shows
vlridian@reddit (OP)
💋
Agile_Gain543@reddit
Start by washing your pan or better yet, get a new nonstick one. Add just a few drops of oil, preheat it slightly on medium, then add the eggs with a small amount of water (about the size of a green pea) and cover. The steam from the water will cook the eggs from the top, while the low–medium heat cooks them from the bottom. Keep an eye on them to get the yolk the way you prefer.
DruncleMuncle@reddit
Have you tried watching a YouTube video on how to fry an egg?
Normans_Boy@reddit
Use butter in clean pan and cook it on low to medium low.
Song-Super@reddit
Clearly you haven’t tried learning some basics
Fast_Ad7203@reddit
The heat is probably too high, put plenty of oil and butter and tye heat needs to be up ONLY at the begging
When you put ur eggs in lower the heat as much as u can, maybe medium Or so low
And then you need a gud pan and thats it
Own_Ad_4301@reddit
26 years old? Nah man lost cause start from the beginning
Toro8926@reddit
Clean pan, bit of butter, egg on, fry for a minute, flip, done.
daemaetscha@reddit
Buy a stainless steel pan. But you need to use it properly so maybe just watch a tutorial and closely follow the steps.
ManchuKenny@reddit
Set it at lowest heat for beginner, pour enough oil to coat the pan , pour the eggs in, put the lid on and you wait
SearchAlarmed7644@reddit
Low and slow. When the edges turn white take a thin spatula and run around the edges. Work your way further under until it’s loosecand can swish around the pan. Cover until the tops are just whit and plate.
AtefH@reddit
So already, we cook an egg, we don't fry it. Secondly, your pan is dirty, there is apparently no oil or fat or not enough for it not to stick. And even if there was enough fat, your pan is so disgusting that your egg would be poorly cooked and infamous. Cooking an egg correctly, damn it, that's the basis...
OneDragonfly5613@reddit
Get a non stick, changed my egg frying forever
ElGuapo0420@reddit
Non stick pan, drop of oil, butter, eggs salt and pepper for seasoning. Done. Make sure you clean your pan, that pan is not clean.
ak47bossness@reddit
the concept of heat control seems to be foreign to many people.
ArticulateSmarties@reddit
Cook with butter instead of Pam, or other “non-stick” product. What’s crazy is people suggesting you use more oil. In my 30 years of life I have never seen anyone try to cook an egg in oil, in real life.
burnthehiv3@reddit
You are using a dry, peeling non-stick pan to fry your eggs, sir
vlridian@reddit (OP)
ma’am* 👩🏻
burnthehiv3@reddit
my bad, I apologise. but my point still stands, ma'am.
kuro_shir0@reddit
I know you’re tryna fry the egg, but lower the heat lol. You could see some the egg sticking, crisping and burning up on the surface of the pan.
snoop-hog@reddit
Medium heat, lots of butter, crack egg and break the yolk, season, wait for the the edges to get browned, wait a little longer, flip, wait
Electrical-Tone7301@reddit
Small splash of oil, medium sized hob, turn gas to medium flame, wait like one minute until hot, pop your eggs, salt pepper italian herbs, pop the lid on to steam the top of the egg, turn down gas to low. Done under 5 minutes.
If you wanna go high risk crispy style, start with a thick layer of oil across the pan. Get it hot until lightly smoking then turn gas to medium high. Pop in your egg and baste with oil. Salt pepper. Get it out of there once lacy and crispy.
Done in maybe 3-4 minutes total inc heating up pan.
GtrPlaynFool@reddit
You made a little tiger cub at the top there. I also see an angry squirrel and maybe an owl flying underneath. Make friends with a tree.
YSR02@reddit
Are you special needs? No fully functioning adult human struggles with cooking an egg
vlridian@reddit (OP)
no im just stupid 💕
YSR02@reddit
I’m sorry to hear that. There is just a few simple steps, grasp them one at a time until you can put it all together and fry yourself an egg 🫶
Smevis@reddit
Jfc just buy a new non stick pan they're not expensive.
PinkLiqourice@reddit
Op has a gas range and a cast iron skillet is only $12-15 more and lasts until it rusts through. Properly seasoned you can wash them with soap by hand and nothing sticks.
I absolutely hate non stick Teflon since I switched to full cast iron 15 years ago. I’ve put those pans through hell. Put them directly on a campfire, moved with them twice, throw from gas range into oven, bake in them, everything.
I cook eggs about 7 times a week in mine and they never stick. Just slide around on medium low heat. If I were OP I would toss that garbage, buy a 12” cast iron and never look back.
linija@reddit
Honestly you can even make eggs perfectly fine with a stainless steel pan if you know how to heat it up before adding oil
Smevis@reddit
Yeah, cast iron is much better. I just don't think it's the best advice for someone who literally cannot cook fried eggs. There is nothing wrong with a non stick pan to start out.
Dependent-Plane5522@reddit
Yeah, $20 at Walmart and it'll last a couple years before you have to discard it like this one.
PandiBong@reddit
Jfc, you look at a video on YouTube and copy what they're doing.
OddName1554@reddit
Okay something I've Found out on my own by just cooking is Heat the pan up before doing anything. (I know Obvious thing. But not really..) Many people just turn it on Then start to cook even worse they'll turn it to high for faster results Do not do this just heat the pan then oil it then Egg it then cook it then eat it.
KernunQc7@reddit
You can massacre eggs just fine tho. Use more oil.
Aversnusen@reddit
Surrender to Uber eats my friend
That0n3Alien@reddit
26 years on this earth made you not want to lookup a YouTube instructional video of how to fry an egg? Even if you failed during the instructional, usually it says what may be fucking up your cooking like pan too hot or not enough oil/butter. In your case you also got a dirty ass pan. Lol. This has to be a rage bait post. There's no way.
need2peeat218am@reddit
Who tf is cooking on dirty pans?? FR not trying to shame but thats just gross.
Sophilosophical@reddit
“It’s seasoning” /s
h0tandgl00my@reddit
King Cobra JFS. RIP.
Sabledude@reddit
Truly. if you’re able to make a whole Reddit post then you could have learned how to make a dam egg.
No_Fig4096@reddit
My secret is to use butter, heat on low-medium (around 3) until the water bubbles out and you’re left with just the fat. Crack egg in and keep at low until white is… well, white and then gently flip. Perfect everytime.
And ditch the nonstick pan. I use mostly stainless steel, and sometimes cast iron.
JET1385@reddit
That pan is going to kill you in about a week. All you’re doing is eating toxic chemicals. Get a cast iron or stainless steel pan. If you can’t afford one, look in a thrift store. Don’t bother with those ceramic junks.
Second, your heat is too high and you need a fat like oil or butter.
Invictu520@reddit
The pan looks horrible which is probably the first reason and the other is that you probably use too much heat.
Buy a new pan and if it is nonstick don't use max heat and plastic spatulas nothing sharp or metal that ruins the coating. Use some oil then fry the egg over medium heat. You can also cover the pan with a lid of you don't like it runny. Or just flip.
Non-stick won't last forever and need to be replaced depending on how you treat them and their quality.
If you want something that outlasts you, buy a cast-iron. There you can use metal utensils as well and the bottom gets super crispy.
2015Nissan370zNismo@reddit
Make sure you're using a clean pan
Oil the pan first
Don't crank the heat all the way up
And not exactly necessary, but what I like to do, (if you've got a lid for the pan) is give the egg a minute until just the bottom is cooked, then splash like 10-20ml of water on the other side of the pan and cover it. The steam cooks the rest of the egg all the way through so you don't have to leave it cooking for as long, and don't burn the bottom
If none of that works, find a YouTube tutorial and follow it exactly, then figure out which parts you were doing differently to begin with. Once you're sure what your actual mistakes were you can learn from them.
werewolfweed@reddit
clean stainless steel pan, 1 tbsp of butter, medium heat. drip one drop of water into the butter, if it sizzles immediately, its hot enough.
Crack an egg or two into a bowl. gently slide the egg into the hot pan. DO NOT TOUCH IT. leave it alone, im serious. Leave it at the same heat for 3 minutes. If its still a little undercooked on top, spoon a bit of the butter onto the uncooked parts. with a silicone spatula, gently go around the edges of the egg to loosen it, then pick it up with the spatula and put it on your plate.
(Emeril voice) bam you got a fried egg!
totally-jag@reddit
Cook slower at a lower temp. Make sure the pan has enough butter/oil. Make sure the pan is clean before you start.
J-littletree@reddit
Low and slow, also cooking spray
-full-control-@reddit
Ever feel like you’re in love with somebody based on a single innocuous moment?
Tonio775@reddit
turn the gotdang heat down, and get into the habit of periodically lifting the pan to remove it from the direct heat...
mehVmeh@reddit
yes this is a big one, they look over done and can overcook really easily. make sure to use enough oil or butter as well
yittiiiiii@reddit
Your pan is too hot. Eggs only stick when there’s too much heat.
nonononononomammamia@reddit
You have to add butter/oil. I do some of both, as the oils keeps the butter from browning too quickly.
Flashy_Citron8917@reddit
You ain’t bull shittin’.
seventeen81@reddit
Low heat and butter
Also make sure your pan doesn't have a bunch of crud stuck to it
Trz81@reddit
I’d still eat it
GothicaSweetHart@reddit
youre supposed to oil the pan
i hope this helps
bOb_cHAd98@reddit
Get new pan
stitchbitchstitch@reddit
At 48 I bought a cast iron skillet. At 48 I was finally able to make fried eggs.
tokyo_driftr@reddit
Heat too high.
Salt_Bus2528@reddit
Of all the places I learned stuff, I learned to cook eggs from a QR code on the back of a Pellegrino soda can.
It sent me to some chef website and it was all about eggs. Basically, eggs are low heat and lots of butter. Like so low that the burner has trouble staying on. Let the egg do its thing and go do something else for a few minutes, like make coffee and toast, or saute some veggies, fry bacon, etc.
Alternative_Curve19@reddit
You need a really good pan! High heat! With butter or vegetable oil!
eazypeazy303@reddit
Heat your pan to medium for 10 minutes or more. Drop some ghee, melt. Drop egg. Put a couple tbsp of water in the pan and cover. The steam and ghee keep it from sticking and also cook the white on top so you can pull it from the pan quicker.
Cool-Role-6399@reddit
Step 0: Get rid of that pan and get something not made of Teflon.
ThegreatGageby@reddit
Wut in the .....
Phenix_Fresh@reddit
Get a new pan and use more fat to cook it
Fishstixxx16@reddit
Low heat. Nonstick pan. Butter. Watch a damn YouTube video for Christ's sake.
are_you_for_scuba@reddit
Pan too hot
Olderbutnotdead619@reddit
Your pan is too hot. You didn't use enough butter Heat pan, put butter in and it should sizzle not burn or catch on fire, then slide eggs in that have been put in a small bowl. Cover, reduce heat, leave for 1.5-2 minutes. You will have a medium fried egg.
Year3030@reddit
I got you fam, 100%, no fail, this will work I shit you not.
It's called the hot oil cold oil technique. You can look it up on YouTube. What I do is heat up a tablespoon or two of oil in a pan until it starts to smoke a bit. I dump that oil into the trash and then add another 1-2 tbsp of oil (room temp, but this is the "COLD" oil). It creates some sort of magical barrier. I then proceed to add 2-4 eggs and they are NON FUCKING STICK you can flip, fry, sunny side up, sunny side down, whatever you want. It works, it's the best.
mrmcjerkstoomuch@reddit
Start with a cooler pan… the pan should be hot, but not scolding hot. It looks like you burnt the egg as soon as it got on there.
Peppered_Rock@reddit
motherfucker where is your oil or butter
septianw@reddit
if your pan is sticky, add more oil, more until your egg is a little floating from the pan. if your pan is non-sticky, clean your pan properly before cooking anything.
Fair-Researcher9344@reddit
I think your non stick pan is done bro. Peak up a real cheap one from your local discount department store, a new one, even cheap, will blow you away with the difference
princessjamiekay@reddit
Low temp, butter just melted, fry gently with patience, slide out after desired donenes. If required flip with a spatula
thetruelu@reddit
Reminds me of that video of some dude in India who deep fries eggs in motor oil or some shit
kobain2k1@reddit
Pan is dirty. Not enough oil/butter, and probably way too hot. That's why.
jcoigny@reddit
Plus the eggs were probably cold straight from the refrigerator which makes them harder to cook.
jaegermini@reddit
Turn heat down
Lightn1ng@reddit
Everyone saying dirty but the real problem is the heat. Medium is way too hot. To cook it on low. Once you find the right low setting you'll have it. Of course you need to use some oil or spray to lube the pan. But it's all about the heat
AwwYeahVTECKickedIn@reddit
Much heat!
Little fat!
Heat down 33%.
Add BUTTER, and don't be shy.
Strange_Platform1328@reddit
Heat oil in the pan until it just starts to sizzle, crack egg, baste egg with oil using a spoon until cooked. Flip if desired. Make sure you use plenty of oil, enough that you can spoon some over the eggs.
Chance_Wasabi458@reddit
TURN THE HEAT DOWN AND COUNT TO 300
TekkenKing12@reddit
5 things:
use a clean pan
put more oil, not butter, oil. You can add butter later, but oil first
heat needs to be turned down a ton especially if you're using that pan and not a stainless steel pan, otherwise on those ones you need to go ripping hot and potentially dangerous for beginners kind of hot
make sure the entire pan is well lubricated with oil and that your oil is hot enough but not smoking
once you crack it in (or pour it in) let it sit for a few seconds, it should immediately begin bubbling and sizzling but not smoking. grab a spatula or chopsticks and shape the eggs edges and then carefully work the under carriage to get it to unstick off the bottom (if you're using a stainless steel pan do not do this), at this stage you may add butter but drop the heat of the pan so you don't burn the entire thing or your butter. move the pan around to assist you in detaching the bottom by lightly swirling it.
Hope this helps, cooking isnt difficult but it takes time to master, youll get there. My eggs looked like garbage too the first time I made them and I burned (and way undercooked) too many dishes to count before I learned how to really cook.
McChava@reddit
Old non stick pans are not only killing you, they stick. Get a new pan.
MasterCrumble1@reddit
Have you tried a lower heat, and also giving a shit about your food? Like... actually check on it constantly. I'm kinda insulted here.
TitShark@reddit
Get a cast iron or steel pan, get it medium hot, oil should be kinda shimmering before the egg goes in
bitchesrus25@reddit
Maybe just use the oven.
https://keytomylime.com/sheet-pan-eggs/
MamaBear4485@reddit
Ok - Nana here, been cooking for over 1/2 century. Don’t be discouraged, it looks like a lot of steps but I promise you once you get it down you’ll be able to do it all within a few minutes.
Dump the terrible non-stick. Not trying to shame you, I’ve gotten many excellent pots and pans secondhand. Non-stick is terrible, I’ve tried everything from cheap to stupidly expensive and they can’t hold their own against stainless.
Get a stainless steel heavy bottomed pan. Super easy to clean which is important.
Get a proper metal fish slice/spatula. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive but it should be a bit flexible and have a decent heft, plus the edge of the flipping bit should be relatively thin and sharpish so it can easily slide under things.
Steps:
Remember we’re not going for Perfect First Time, we’re going to get to know our stovetop and our pan.
Put about a tablespoon each of oil and butter in the pan. Allow to sizzle gently. If it sizzles too much turn the heat down.
Hold your hand palm down about 20cm/6-8” over the hot pan. You should be able to hold it there for about 3 seconds, then the pan is ready.
Hold your egg sideways so that the rounded ends are pointing left and right (hope that makes sense).
Tap egg gently on counter till you hear a crack. Break it onto a saucer (can usually buy for pennies at a secondhand shop) and then slide gently into the pan.
You can either cover the pan with a lid or plate, or gently flip the egg once the white is no longer clear.
Once it’s done to your preferred consistency, slide the fish slice underneath and pause for a few seconds to let the oil drain off. Then gently pop onto the plate.
Of course you can also used cast iron which I also love, but stainless is really easy to take care of.
yellowsabmarine@reddit
doctorbeers@reddit
Pan was wayyy too hot brother. Eggs cook best low-med heat
Hot_Gur5980@reddit
Way too hot - take your time!
99_green@reddit
Scrubber that pan clean. Put oil in the pan, heat to the higher side of medium. Crack egg into pan, put about 3 tbsp. Of water in pan and cover with a lid and remove eggs once the clear part is white, you will not need to flip them using this method.
venthis1@reddit
I have a love hate relationship with non stick pans. They often suck and you spend a lot of money replacing them but when theyre good theyre good. Today I just use a 30 yo cast iron pan works just as food when you learn to take care of it.
Aussie_Addict@reddit
Bro you need to invest in a decent pan, f off with the non stick shit, it only lasts a short time then you are literally eating plastic with every meal you cook in it. If that is too much work, just boil em
pepcorn@reddit
Girl just buy a new pan. This one's cooked.
Prestigious-Ad9712@reddit
Believe it or not i think the pan is the culprit. Bad pans make it hard to cook anything. That and you need lower heat, patience.
Plagudoctor@reddit
that pan is fucked
TheClownKid@reddit
Turn your fucking burner down.
Stop with the self-defeatist bullshit and focus. I’ll explain it slow.
Take a clean and dry pan (emphasis on clean), put it on the stove and turn it on medium. If there are numbers instead of words, 5 of 10, halfway. Drop into that pan a pad of butter. (How much is that? 0.5 to 1 tablespoon depending on your preference and pan size.) Focus on only this. Don’t do this and check messages, or watch YouTube. Focus.
Wait for the butter to melt. As you wait, crack 2 eggs into a bowl. Crack eggs on the table don’t use the bowl lip to avoid shells in your eggs. If you get shells, pick them out with a fork. Put the fork that touched raw eggs in the sink right away.
Once butter is fully melted, swirl it in the pan so it coated the whole bottom of the pan. Add your eggs.
Do not touch or agitated the pan after this, just the egg naturally spread, once you’ve been successfully a few times this is where you can shape the egg white to control how large the egg will be. For the first time, just let it be.
Once the egg white starts to change from clear to white, and there is a bottom to your egg (likely less than 2 minutes), it’s option time.
How you want your eggs?
Sunnyside Up:Use your spatula to get the excess egg whites from the top and push them to the edges of the egg. Should need to over do this, just get the stubborn pools. Wait for the egg whites to finish cooking. Salt and pepper while the egg whites finish. Remove and plate as soon as they do. Try to minimize the egg yolks (yellows) turning solid by getting the white off early, and keeping the stove temp low.
Over Easy: Salt and pepper. Then gently but confidently flip both eggs. If you’re using a large pan and they spread out, split the whites with your spatula and flip them one at a time. Important to gently place the uncooked side down to not burst the egg yolk. It’s more hardy than you think, but not indestructible. Don’t splat that shit down. Try not to fold the egg whites when you flip it, get them flat. if it folds don’t fuss with it too much, will likely be fine. You will pop a few yolks flipping no matter how careful you are. It happens. Also will happen less as you practice more. 2nd side of Over Easy eggs cooks real quick, like 20-30 seconds. Don’t over cook it. After 20-30 second flip back to original as you plate. Easy.
Fried Egg/Over Hard: Burst the yolk with your spatulas and salt and pepper. Flip the eggs so the freshly burst egg yolk cooks throughly and turns completely solid. Once everything is solid the egg is done. No need to keep cooking beyond that. Plate.
Focus only on cooking the eggs. No phone, no iPad, no conversation. Cooking eggs is a Zen-like thing and in many homes the ultimate expression of love. Don’t be a fucking loser who doesn’t love themselves. Cook yourself a damn egg right.
NightLotus84@reddit
It's difficult for us to tell what's going wrong unless you tell us your process. How do you fry your eggs, at what point does it go wrong and what are you doing trying to prevent it?
thegameguru_reddit@reddit
Use butter or ghee instead of oil. Works magic
Oh_Lawd_He_commin420@reddit
Get new pans.
Illustrious-Bake3878@reddit
You keep doing it wrong obviously.
BAMspek@reddit
Have you ever washed your pan? Or replaced it? Looks like a pretty old worn out teflon pan. Try getting a new one, using a nice bit of butter (around a TBSP or less on teflon), and low to medium heat. Let the pan heat up a bit, which won’t take too long with a pan this thin. Once the butter is starting to sizzle it should be good. Wait for the egg to start firming up before flipping.
AncientBaseball9165@reddit
Your pan is shit, it is incredible shit. Buy a cheaper new one if you have to but if you can afford 20 bucks for a pan then get a good steel one from a restaurant supply (not non-stick, one you have to season). Season it, accept that you hand clean it occasionally and learn to treat it right. Rest is heat control and proper amount of oil + practice. You will be a few dozen eggs from making good eggs.
mrchowmein@reddit
Your nonstick pan is dead. Get a new pan like a stainless steel or cast iron. Then try again. It’s also easier to make eggs if your pan is clean.
Cast iron will outlive you vs nonstick ones will be used up in a year or two.
Striking_Parsnip_457@reddit
Biggest mistake people make when cooking is cooking way too hot. Turn down the burner.
Brinewielder@reddit
You are extremely lazy and not actually trying. You are burning these fuckers, not using oil and butter and not cleaning your shit. Horrible.
1tankk@reddit
Cooking them too fast and clean your pan
DanaMarie75038@reddit
Pan was not hot enough, oil was not enough. Your egg got stuck and burned at the bottom because you can flip it or move it. Make sure your pan is hot with enough amount of oil. When the edges are starting to crust, put a tbsp of water in the side and cover it.
junkmail0178@reddit
I am a good cook, I think. I can cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner, and have been complimented for it. But I can’t fry an egg to save my life.
Dougheyez@reddit
U need a new pan.
terminalbungus@reddit
1) Clean pan 2) Dry pan 3) Start the heat on the pan about medium, maybe a pinch higher 4) Add butter (or oil…👎) 5) Wait for butter to bubble a little. 6) Put eggs in 7) Cover with lid 8) After a minute or so, you may be able to turn down the heat a notch or two 9) Shake the pan occasionally to get an idea of how runny the yolks are 10) When the eggs are ALMOST cooked to your desired preference, turn off the heat and wait for them to finish cooking like that. 11) Serve 12) Eat 13) Clean your dishes 14) Profit
Itzchappy@reddit
Use a clean pan, butter/oil , lower heat (6 then 4 when u flip the egg),
That-Water-Guy@reddit
Not enough oil
lonely_lad567@reddit
Get pan and oil hot (3-5min depending on pan and heat source) crack egg in oil fry for 30- 45 sec add 2 tablespoons of water cover with lid and leave it for 1-5 min depending on how cooked you want the yolk
Vast_Release@reddit
Heat down, clean pan, a good bit of butter or oil. Gg go fry some eggs
AnotherOption23@reddit
Whoops 😬
zenlittleplatypus@reddit
Low heat, a pat of melted butter, and then wait.
gothic_cowboy1337@reddit
Use a clean pan
Remarkable-Shock8017@reddit
I was having this issue as well, especially since moving and having to befriend a new stove. What works for me is to start the pan on high and spray my pan with cooking spray, I then gather mayo, cheese and toast. By the time I've done that, the pan has warmed up and I turn it down to 5/6 on the knob and crack my egg in. I add a bunch of pepper to my egg. I then put my toast in and wait for that, after it's popped up, I put on the mayo and cheese on the toast and put away the mayo and grab whatever I'll be drinking. Also about halfway through this, I put some small slices in my egg white, I'm no chef, but I feel it helps, since I don't flip my egg. I used to flip and manage....but I have not successfully flipped on this stove yet, which is how I came about doing it this way. It also presents prettier as well lol
Robot_Cobras@reddit
Turn the heat down and be patient!
Resident-Welcome3901@reddit
Inveterate attender of church Mens’ breakfasts: have seen many egg atrocities. Consider developing a taste for baked egg dishes like frittatas or custards.
jrv313@reddit
That pan seems challenging to fry an egg on
Cawnt@reddit
You pan is too dirty. Give that sucker a real good cleaning or better yet, invest in a new one.
Tinysaur06@reddit
I cannot for the life of me scramble an egg, I think you're fine.
WVildandWVonderful@reddit
I agree with the people saying to use a stick pan.
Also, remember:
HOT PAN, COLD OIL.
Heat up your pan before adding the oil. Not sure if it’s ready? Put a drop of water on the tip of your finger. Drop (from a distance) a SINGLE DROP of water into the pan. If it sizzles, it’s ready for the oil.
Snoo78959@reddit
Turn down the temp!
Careless-Standard-26@reddit
Pan is too hot, just use butter and keep the pan medium low
TheOtherJeff@reddit
Looks like meat’s back on the menu, boyss
Iminawideopenspace@reddit
As everyone else says “more oil!” I saw Marco Pierre White say that fried eggs should be poached in oil. That’s obviously a LOT of oil, so use your smallest pan if your going to do it that way. Heat it medium-low.
If you get this right, they’ll be perfect.
spookyaki41@reddit
This one almost makes me mad
EnvironmentEuphoric9@reddit
The fuck, man.
OP walks into the kitchen angrily, grabs dirty old pan from the sink, cranks heat all the way up, gets pan scorching hot, uses whatever food lube was already in the dirty pan and cracks the eggs, waits five minutes, scrapes eggs and flips cajuned eggs. “Fuck! See? They never come out right!”
Dekutr33@reddit
Do you ever try to change the way you do it?? Or do you just do the same thing every time and expect different results? You ever stop and think, hmm maybe I could change the pan or maybe turn the heat down or add butter.
Figmentality@reddit
OP doesn't know the definition of insanity.
maidbabemir@reddit
eggs are my fav to cook
Figmentality@reddit
Same. So easy. So tasty.
Figmentality@reddit
Good eggs cook slow. (Low heat.)
CoolWater1308@reddit
Try a pan without any coating and some oil or Butter
Wo_Mo_9338@reddit
I use coconut oil. Oil right before eggs and don't need much
maarkwong@reddit
Dunk half a cup of water and close the lip, 30s serve
rlaureng@reddit
Try using Ghee instead of whatever fat you used here. Once you get a pan that's not permanently burned.
ViciousPuddin@reddit
Just do this next time: do a good job frying the eggs.
Consistent-Ad-6753@reddit
OP… Be fucking forreal rn 🥀
johnporkathan@reddit
if it starts cackling and popping oil when your egg hits the pan, it’s too hot. if it sizzles gently without splattering oil everywhere, that’s a good start
Mammoth-Register-669@reddit
I’m thinking you need to lower the heat.
Also what are you going for? Over-easy?
green49285@reddit
Take your time & turn your heat down.
The egg doesn't have to be ready in 20 seconds lol
LostinQuiddity@reddit
I think the problem is that you were trying to cremate them
meow_haus@reddit
Your pan sucks. Use oil- make the pan/oil hot before you drop the egg.
Reckless-Raccoon@reddit
I used a bit of non stick cooking spray and butter and melt it on medium first (make sure that pan is really clean). Then add the eggs. Also you need a new pan.
mykl7s@reddit
The pan. Get a new one, if not you will need to use more 'lubricant' after scouring it. Cheap pans 'like most things' really aren't made to last forever now.
Putsomesunglasseson@reddit
It’s your pan
Dependent-Plane5522@reddit
You have a top teir chef level gas range and you're using worn out dollar tree cookware. You just need to stick to scrambled eggs.
Iamwomper@reddit
Your pan is disgusting
DGenerAsianX@reddit
90% of people who claim they can’t cook fried eggs do not use enough oil/butter.
Fair_Menu7110@reddit
Clean your pan and turn down the heat
Emracruel@reddit
Ok follow these steps exactly
Put your pan (a small pan, as small as you have if you are only doing 1-2 eggs) on the stove and put it on medium low (that would be a 3-4 on a dial out of 10)
Immediately put a half tablespoon to a tablespoon of butter into the pan.
As the butter melts, tilt the pan so the butter covers the bottom well. If you can't get the butter to coat the pan, add a little more.
Wait 2-3 minutes. If you can, try to look for the butter to take on a light brown color. If you arent sure, just wait for the 2-3 minutes to be up. Then tilt the pan again to make sure the butter coats the bottom properly.
Add your egg(s) to the pan. They should sizzle a little but not aggressively.
Add salt, and pepper, and optionally paprika and red pepper to the eggs. A small pinch of each to start. When you add the pinch, your fingers should be at least a foot above the egg. You will learn how much of each seasoning you want as you get better at it. But always season from high above the eggs.
If you want sunny side up eggs add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover it with a tightly fitting lid and cook until there is a white sheen over the yolk. Should be 3-4 minutes.
If you want over easy eggs, don't add the splash of water or cover, just let them cook. If you can, occasionally shake the pan a little to slide the eggs around on the cooking surface. Wait until the egg is mostly cooked (just a little bit of the eggwhite near the yolk should be clear), roughly 3-4 minutes. Then flip the eggs with as thin of a spatula as you have (but no metal if you are using nonstick pans, if you aren't sure, if it's not a heavy pan and has a black coating on the cooking surface, it's non-stick). Once the eggs are flipped wait 10 seconds, turn off the heat, and transfer the eggs to a plate.
For over medium do the same thing as over easy, but at the end wait more like 30-45 seconds after flipping the eggs to turn off the heat.
For over hard wait more like a minute.
If your egg is overcooked for any of these, reduce the cooking time by 10-20%. If your egg is undercooked increase your cooking time by 10-20%.
frankenboobehs@reddit
I've been trying eggs with a pan lid. I use a stainless steel on low medium heat, put egg in pan, leave lid on for a few mins, it helps cook top at same time, so I don't end up flipping and overcooking my egg. Then I flip, let sit for a min or two, and it's done, perfect every time.
theonlyotaku21@reddit
Ts frying me so bad 💀
lassofiasco@reddit
Pan is obviously dirty and way too hot. I can tell by the burnt outside and runny inside
Gajax@reddit
Heat - More is not always better.
DinoTh3Dinosaur@reddit
Your pan seems dirty, did you use it to make bacon or something before? The little chunks of food that stay on it will make your eggs stick and black like that
Aleksandrovitch@reddit
For OP: you can still cook eggs in a pan you’ve cooked bacon in, but: you need to remove some bacon fat (wad of dry paper towel, then place the wad on a plate and let it cool before tossing or it will melt your garbage bag.
Then you need to turn the heat to low and wait 5-10 for the bacon fat to lose a bunch if heat, or you will just deep fry your egg.
Done right, you will have a darker egg will gritty meat bits that tastes AMAZING. But you will need OJ or fruit or something to cut through the grease, or you will taste and feel it all day.
Ornery-Practice9772@reddit
Fr? Oil in pan, heat on low, crack eggs into pan, wait til egg white turns from clear to white
RogueMallShinobi@reddit
Lmao, somehow the yolk is still wet/undercooked
Low heat
Wait for the pan to get hot
Oil
Wait for the oil to get hot (30 seconds)
eggs
Cover the pan to cook the top of the egg
Don’t go away, watch the egg
That’s it, there’s nothing else to it tbh
Aleksandrovitch@reddit
This is correct for a beautifully tender egg with a nice runny yolk. Season to taste. Included toast.
coneycolon@reddit
Get a new pan, lower the heat, and use some butter to keep everything lubricated.
Tiny_Lie2772@reddit
Butter and turn the heat down to medium
AsparagusOverall8454@reddit
Dirty pan and the heat was too high I’m guessing. Them some burnt ass eggs.
nohopeforhomosapiens@reddit
More oil. There should be leftover oil in the pan after you remove the egg. That pan is way too dry.
Crack the egg in a separate bowl and gently pour it into the oil. Don't do more than 2 at a time.
Use a smaller pan so you need less oil (you can save leftover oil if you don't scorch it).
Oil should be on medium heat.
Cover with a lid briefly (optional).
Use a good spatula to remove it or flip it.
MrFivePercent@reddit
Get a new pan.
dave_bed@reddit
Slow and low brother
EvaTheE@reddit
That pan needs a very long holiday. In fact, it need not return.
UmeaTurbo@reddit
If you use multiply stainless, turn to med heat, add oil or butter after it's already hot, crack the egg and don't touch it for two or three minutes at all, it should firm up enough to flip. Don't cook on Teflon. A stainless pan cleaned well every time and oiled after it's hot WILL be non stick as soon as the Mailliard reaction takes place. The egg will unstick itself. That's true with anything, really. Meat, veggies, eggs. Whatever
Tasty-Performer6669@reddit
Low heat. Use butter. Also, whisk the eggs in a fine mesh colander prior to cooking so as to remove the rubbery chalazae. Your eggs will be silky smooth.
From egg clod to egg god in three easy steps. And don’t worry I figured this shit out well into my 30s
Echo-Azure@reddit
Is your nonstick pan actually... nonstick?
belaGJ@reddit
What was the purpose of the effort? I cannot decide if you wanted scrambled eggs or just a normal egg. As others mentioned, most probably you do it too hot with a too dirty pan, whichever was the original idea.
goingpostal321@reddit
Butter in pan lower the heat a lot! Eggs are the thing you have to watch if it is cracking it is too hot.then when whites are at least somewhat slide flipper under and roll dont flip that breaks it just roll
Lint_Eastwood_123@reddit
Heat is up too high I think
Quantum_Corpse@reddit
Had the same issue half of my life. They were edible, but ugly and burnt here and there.
Three important things I realised after finally succeeding… as everyone here already said:
And optionally you might need a good spatula, because some tend to just ruin everything, but maybe that’s just me.
KingRossThe1st@reddit
DarthSnoopyFish@reddit
Don’t go above medium heat. And adding oil or butter will help with sticking.
littlemissdizaster80@reddit
Pan is too dry.
Quirky-Eggplant-3023@reddit
Are you even using oil or butter or anything?
MitusBean@reddit
Eggs need VERY LITTLE heat, every cook top is different but I usually stick to around the 2-3 setting if 10 is the highest when cooking eggs. Just give your pan a good few minutes to pre-heat at the lower temps. Also try using a mixture of oil and butter, the water content in the butter will help prevent the egg from sticking to the pan and the oil will keep the smoke point relatively high and prevent burning.
greenbastard1591@reddit
mrhemisphere@reddit