Bored of plain eggs? 7 fun ways to cook them
Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients in our kitchens. They are cheap to buy and very quick to cook. This makes them a popular choice for breakfast, a quick lunch, or a light dinner. However, eating the same plain scrambled eggs every morning can quickly become boring.
You might find yourself staring at an egg box and wondering what else you can do with them. It is very common to get stuck in a cooking rut. That is why I want to share these different egg recipes with you.
Changing how you prepare your meals can make a huge difference to your week. A simple change in technique or a few extra spices will completely transform your plate. You do not need to be a professional chef to make exciting meals at home.
This guide will show you several different ways to cook eggs, including classic methods, new egg recipes and ideas, and the best safety advice to keep you healthy.
Why eggs and egg recipes are so good for you
Eggs are a great addition to your daily meals. According to NHS guidance on eating a balanced diet, eggs are a great source of protein. Protein is essential for helping your body grow and repair itself.
They also contain many important vitamins and minerals. Eggs provide vitamins like B12, riboflavin, and vitamin D. Vitamin D is especially important for keeping your bones and muscles healthy. Eating eggs can help you reach your daily nutritional goals without spending a lot of money on expensive supplements.
Important safety and storage advice
Food safety is just as important as taste. Many people worry about eating soft or runny yolks. Thankfully, the rules in the UK are very clear and easy to follow.
The Food Standards Agency states that infants, children, pregnant women, and elderly people can safely eat raw or lightly cooked eggs. The only rule is that these eggs must have the British Lion mark on the shell. This mark shows that the hens were vaccinated against Salmonella.
Proper storage is also key to keeping your food safe. You should store your eggs at a constant cool temperature. Always use them before their best-before date passes.
The basic cooking methods
Sometimes we get bored with eggs simply because we are not cooking them well. A rubbery scrambled egg or a watery poached egg is enough to put anyone off their breakfast. Here is how to perfect the basics ready for when you need them in egg recipes or to eat on their own.
Perfectly boiled eggs
Boiling an egg sounds easy. Getting the exact texture you want is a little harder. Do not use eggs straight from the fridge. Let them come to room temperature first so they do not crack in the hot water.
Lower your room temperature eggs into boiling water. Here are the exact timings recommended by BBC Good Food for large hens’ eggs:
5 minutes will give you a fully set white and a very runny yolk. This is the perfect timing for dipping toast soldiers.
6 minutes creates a liquid yolk that is slightly less runny. This is often called a jammy egg.
7 minutes gives you a deliciously sticky centre. The yolk is mostly set but still soft.
8 minutes creates a softly set egg. This texture is ideal for making Scotch eggs.
10 minutes results in a classic hard-boiled egg. It will be firm enough to mash for sandwiches but not dry or chalky.
When your timer goes off, scoop the eggs out and plunge them into a bowl of cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents a grey ring from forming around the yolk.
Simple poached eggs
Poached eggs look very fancy in restaurants. You can easily make them at home with a simple trick.
Fill a large pan with water and bring it to a boil. Add a splash of white wine vinegar or cider vinegar to the water. Do not use balsamic vinegar because it will turn your food a strange brown colour.
Crack your egg into a small ramekin first. This makes it much easier to drop into the pan quickly. Use a whisk to swirl the boiling water around in a circle. Carefully tip the egg into the centre of the whirlpool. Set your timer for exactly two minutes. The swirling water wraps the egg white neatly around the yolk. Remove it with a slotted spoon and serve immediately.
Frying eggs beautifully
A good fried egg needs a fresh egg. Older eggs spread out too much in the pan because the yolk membrane gets weak.
If you want a perfectly round fried egg but do not have a special silicone egg ring, you can use a vegetable. Cut a thick ring out of a large white onion or a pepper. Place the vegetable ring in your hot frying pan and crack the egg directly inside it. It keeps the egg contained and adds a lovely extra flavour to your breakfast.
Better omelettes and scrambled eggs
If you follow a weight loss plan, you might not want to use your daily milk allowance in your eggs. You can swap the milk for water instead. Adding a few tablespoons of water to your beaten eggs makes them incredibly fluffy. Just remember to season them well with salt and pepper.
To make a great omelette, use a small non-stick frying pan. Pour your beaten eggs into the hot pan. After one minute, use a silicone spatula to gently drag the cooked edges towards the middle. Tip the pan so the runny egg on top fills the empty gaps. Once the top is mostly set, add your fillings, fold it in half, and take it off the heat. The leftover heat will finish cooking the middle perfectly.
Tasty egg recipes for a change
Once you have the basics these egg recipes will be easier. Here are some brilliant egg recipes to break up your routine.
Breakfast egg muffins
If you are always rushing in the morning, breakfast egg muffins are a lifesaver. They are easy egg recipes to make in advance and taste delicious hot or cold.
You simply whisk eggs together with a little milk or water. Dice up some vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli. Avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes or mushrooms because they stop the muffins from setting properly. Divide the mixture into a muffin tin coated with low-calorie cooking spray. Bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes until the centres are firm.
Shakshuka and baked eggs
Shakshuka is a fantastic dish for lunch or dinner. It consists of eggs baked gently in a rich, spicy tomato sauce.
You can make a simple sauce using tinned tomatoes, garlic, onions, paprika, and a pinch of chilli powder. Once the sauce is bubbling in a frying pan, make small wells in the mixture with a spoon. Crack an egg into each well. Put a lid on the pan and let it simmer until the egg whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny. You can find a complete shakshuka recipe here to guide you through the process.
Egg fried rice
Egg fried rice is a brilliant way to use up leftover vegetables and cold cooked rice. It is a very cheap meal that the whole family will enjoy.
When you make egg fried rice, you must cook the egg safely. The Food Standards Agency advises adding the raw egg to your hot wok first. Scramble it until it is thoroughly cooked all the way through. Only then should you add your cooked rice and vegetables. Never pour raw egg directly over warm cooked rice.
Mini quiches and frittatas
A frittata is like a very thick omelette that you finish cooking in the oven. It is one of my favourite egg recipes! A spinach and pea frittata is wonderful for a healthy lunch. You can cut it into slices and pack it in a lunchbox.
You can also make mini crustless quiches using ingredients similar to those for egg muffins. Caramelised red onion and a little bit of mature cheddar cheese make a very tasty combination. They feel like a special treat but are actually very low in calories. For more ideas like this, check out this helpful guide to eggs.
Frequently asked questions about eggs
How can I tell if an egg is fresh?
You can do a very simple float test at home. Fill a jug with cold water and gently drop your egg inside. If it sinks to the bottom and lies flat, it is very fresh. If it stands on one end at the bottom, it is a little older but still fine to eat. If it floats to the top of the water, it has gone bad and you should throw it away. As an egg ages, air enters through the shell, making it float.
Can I freeze eggs?
Yes, you can freeze eggs to use later. However, you cannot freeze them whole in their shells because they will expand and crack. You must crack them into a container and beat them gently before freezing. You can also separate the whites and yolks and freeze them in different containers. Make sure you label the containers with the date.
What is the best way to clean up a dropped egg?
We all drop things in the kitchen sometimes. Trying to wipe up a raw egg with a cloth just spreads the slimy mess around. Instead, pour a thick layer of regular table salt completely over the spilt egg. Wait ten minutes. The salt absorbs the moisture and turns the egg into a solid clump. You can then sweep it up easily with a dustpan and brush.
Why do my boiled eggs crack in the pan?
Eggs usually crack in boiling water due to a sudden temperature change. Taking an egg straight from a cold fridge and dropping it into boiling water shocks the shell. To stop this from happening, leave your eggs on the kitchen counter for thirty minutes before cooking. You can also use a clean drawing pin to poke a tiny hole in the rounded bottom end of the shell before boiling.
How do I slice a boiled egg neatly?
When you try to slice a hard-boiled egg for a salad, the crumbly yolk often falls out and makes a mess. To get perfectly clean slices, dip your knife blade into a glass of cold water between every single cut. The water stops the yolk from sticking to the metal.
Bring excitement back to your meals
You do not have to settle for boring meals. Eggs are brilliant because they take on the flavours of whatever you cook them with. Trying a new method like poaching or baking can completely change your weekly menu.
Will you try any of these egg recipes this week? Let me know in the comments below.
