FAQs
Oil vs butter
Should you fry eggs in butter or oil? ›
The best thing about frying eggs in butter is the taste. Because butter is higher in fat than oil, your eggs will naturally take on that rich butter flavor as they crisp in the pan. It's similar to the way some chefs add a pad of butter to their scrambled eggs as they cook.
Is it better to fry with butter or oil? ›
Because it browns easily and can burn when cooked at high temperatures, butter is usually unsuitable for dishes that require a high cooking temperature. Instead, cooking oils are the best option and there are a variety of choices available from peanut oil, to avocado oil, vegetable oil and olive oil.
Is it better to use butter or oil for scrambled eggs? ›
Should I use butter or oil for scrambled eggs? Both butter and oil serve the same practical purpose: they prevent the scramble from sticking to the pan. Butter also adds flavor, and in a dish as simple as scrambled eggs, that extra push can make a difference—especially if you make it brown butter.
What is the healthiest way to cook eggs? ›
Overall, shorter and lower-heat cooking methods cause less cholesterol oxidation and help retain most of the egg's nutrients. For this reason, poached and boiled (either hard or soft) eggs may be the healthiest to eat. These cooking methods also don't add any unnecessary calories.
What is the best way to fry an egg? ›
The basic steps for frying an egg are simple:
- Heat a skillet over medium or medium-low.
- Once the skillet is hot, add your preferred fat and swirl to coat the surface.
- Crack the egg(s) into the skillet.
- Continue to cook the egg until the whites and yolks reach your desired doneness.
Place eggs in a medium pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then cover the pot and turn off the heat. Let the eggs cook, covered, for 9 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired done-ness (see photo). Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and chill for 14 minutes.
Why not to fry with butter? ›
Butter can't withstand higher temperatures the way oil can, due to the milk solids in the spread. If you still want a buttery taste but need to cook something on a high heat, Fiona recommends using oil to fry on a high temperature and adding butter later, at a lower temperature.
Why do people fry with butter? ›
When it comes to flavor, butter has a rich, creamy profile that's hard to beat. It can elevate a dish with a depth of taste and luxurious mouthfeel.
Why you should use butter instead of oil? ›
At room temperature, butter has a melt-in-your mouth feeling and more robust flavor profile. Liquid oil products are always liquid at room temperature and even when refrigerated, so they give the palate a sensation of moisture when you bite into something made with oil. Butter is only about 80% fat!
Lots of fried egg stans say butter is best. Thanks to its high concentration of fat, butter has a unique taste and creamy texture. It's great for high heat pan-frying and can prevent your eggs from sticking to the pan.
What oil is best for frying eggs? ›
For the most delicious fried egg, use bacon fat (but you knew that, didn't you?). For the laciest edges without compromising flavor, olive oil's your best bet. If you're after something silkier, go for butter. And if you're ready to reconsider what a fried egg really is and what it can be, use cream.
How many eggs should you eat a day? ›
Eating one to three eggs per day can have several health benefits, but this varies from person to person. At this level of consumption, people can expect minimal changes in their cholesterol levels. It is unclear whether there is an upper limit on how many eggs a person can eat per day.
Is there a healthy way to fry eggs? ›
For the least amount of fat, try using a non-stick pan and a spray-oil. Fortunately eggs do not absorb as much fat as some other foods when fried. You can also remove some of the fat by draining them from the pan with a spatula and blotting them on kitchen paper to absorb excess fat.
What is the healthiest way to eat scrambled eggs? ›
For those trying to gain muscle, Sharp says the healthiest way to eat eggs is to pack in the extra protein. Add in extra egg whites to add more volume and protein, or mix in cottage cheese to your scramble.
What is the best fat to fry eggs in? ›
For the most delicious fried egg, use bacon fat (but you knew that, didn't you?). For the laciest edges without compromising flavor, olive oil's your best bet. If you're after something silkier, go for butter. And if you're ready to reconsider what a fried egg really is and what it can be, use cream.
Why add butter to oil when frying? ›
By mixing oil and butter together, you can increase the smoke point and the flavor. It really is the best of both worlds. The fat in the butter will still burn eventually, but the oil will help to dilute the nasty burnt taste that we absolutely do not want in our food (via Serious Eats).
