Fried eggs will be tastier if you ditch oil for 1 free ingredient that works wonders
A TikTok user has shared a simple method for cooking fried eggs that requires no flipping and uses far less oil.
“This is your friendly reminder that you don't have to flip eggs to achieve your perfect yolk.”
The perfect fried egg is largely a matter of personal preference, depending greatly on both the cooking technique and the individual enjoying it. That said, the ideal fried egg is generally considered to have a runny yolk with fully set whites.
Traditionally, most methods of frying eggs rely on fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil or butter. However, cooking enthusiast and TikTok recipe sharer Felicia claims that achieving a perfectly cooked egg requires the addition of water.
Water-frying is an egg-cooking approach that many people may not have immediately considered.
The cook demonstrated to her viewers that there's no need to use excessive amounts of fat to the point where your eggs are dripping in it, and that flipping them to properly cook the yolk is entirely unnecessary, reports the Express.
Sharing a video of herself frying eggs using water, Felicia said: "This is your friendly reminder that you don't have to flip eggs to achieve your perfect yolk.
"You just need a little water and a lid. Let the steam do the work for you."
How to make fried eggs with water
For this particular method, Felicia noted in the comments that it's advisable to use a non-stick frying pan with just the smallest spritz of oil to start.
While you could technically use water alone, the straightforward reality is that water doesn't possess a smoke point in the same way oil and butter do — meaning when heated, it will boil or simmer before ultimately evaporating. Additionally, it's worth noting that water is naturally without taste.
That's precisely why you'll want to start cooking the egg with a small amount of oil, add a splash of water (roughly a teaspoon), and place a lid over the pan to steam the egg.
The steam that forms beneath the lid guarantees that the eggs have firm whites, a soft yolk, and, possibly, crispy edges for extra texture.
Naturally, water-frying is an excellent method for cooking eggs, but there are some crucial considerations to bear in mind. Firstly, exercise extreme caution when introducing water to the hot oil.
Because of the oil's elevated temperature, the water will vaporise almost immediately, prompting the oil to pop and splatter as the steam releases.
To minimise the risk of oil splashing, add small quantities of water to the pan slowly. This can help avoid grease burns or, in the most severe circumstances, a kitchen fire.
While the eggs are steaming, keep the pan on a moderate heat to guarantee they cook uniformly and reduce the likelihood of them turning rubbery and losing their taste.
Ultimately, when executed correctly, cooking eggs with water is a superb alternative. It can deliver results similar to traditional pan frying while providing a healthier choice thanks to the lower oil consumption.
To enhance the flavour when cooking fried eggs this way, you can try various seasonings to produce delicious eggs, such as smoky paprika or zingy garlic and onion powder.
