How to cook eggs

From silky and scrambled to perfectly poached to getting just-the-right runny yolk, these top tips will show you how to cook perfect eggs every time.

Writer

M&S Food

Sourcing the best eggs

Before you start, get yourself some fresh, free-range eggs. The fresher the egg, the more it will hold its shape during the cooking process (especially important for fried, poached and boiled). For bonus points, try out our Collection Golden Yolk Eggs, which have an extra-rich, golden centre (hello Sunny-side up bacon sarnie). Since all our eggs are free-range and RSPCA-assured, you can be certain your dozen come from healthier hens. Now, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking.

Egg-ceptional recipes

How to boil eggs perfectly

Before you do anything, take your eggs out of the fridge and leave them to come up to room temperature – this will stop them from cracking later. Next up, bring a pan of water to a rolling boil, then use a spoon to carefully lower your eggs into the pan.

Now, for the timings – if you follow these rules, you can’t go wrong. For runny boiled eggs, cook for 5 minutes: these are perfect for Dippy eggs. For soft-boiled, jammy eggs, cook for 6 to 7 minutes: great in kedgerees or a Warm spring salad with garlicky croutons. For hard-boiled eggs to add to sandwiches, cook for 10 minutes. Once the time is up, remove your eggs to a bowl of cold water as this will help to lower their temperature and stop them from cooking further.

Get cooking

How to fry eggs just right

When it comes to fried eggs, the fresher the egg the better. Fresh eggs will maintain their shape in the pan, whereas older eggs tend to spread out unevenly. Whether you’re cooking your eggs in butter or oil, that’s totally up to you, but make sure to heat your chosen fat over a medium heat before cracking in the eggs. If you’re worried about eggshells getting into the pan, crack your eggs into a bowl first, then slide them into the hot pan. To make sure they cook evenly, cover the pan with a lid – you’ll notice the whites turn opaque. Now, serve your eggs straight-up on toast, in a Smoky bacon and egg naan or on top of spicy sesame noodles.

Cracking ideas

How to make the best scrambled eggs

Crack and whisk your eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Depending on your taste, you may like to add a little cream or grated cheese or extra flavourings, like chopped herbs, ground paprika, turmeric, or our handy spice blends. Heat a little butter (until bubbling, but not brown) or heat some oil in a pan on a medium-low heat, then add the eggs. Depending on whether you use a frying pan or a saucepan, the eggs will be a slightly different consistency, so try out both to see which you prefer.

Our best egg recipes

How to poach eggs to perfection

With these top tips, you’ll learn how to poach eggs perfectly every time. Get a large saucepan onto the boil and a tablespoon of white wine vinegar, then reduce the heat – poached eggs like a simmering bath, rather than a ferocious boil. Using a large pan will give them space to form perfectly, and vinegar is a must! Crack each egg into a small cup first. Stir the water to create a gentle whirlpool, then quickly and confidently slide in the egg.

When removing your eggs, use a slotted spoon to help drain away the water, then remove to a sieve or bowl, lined with kitchen paper – the paper will blot the water and won’t leave you with sieve marks! If all else fails, pop into your local store, for a pack of ready-poached eggs. Who’s for a Bubble and squeak brunch?

More recipe ideas

How to make the ultimate omelette

Beat three eggs and season with salt and pepper, then heat a splash of oil and a knob of butter in a non-stick pan over a medium heat. Pour the eggs into the pan, tilting it to allow them to cover the surface. This is the point at which you can add fillings, such as grated cheese, shredded ham, or finely sliced spring onions. Cook for around 1 minute then gently fold in half with a spatula. Slide onto a plate and serve. You could try adding flavouring to the beaten eggs, too – a handful of finely chopped herbs, for example, or some of our Caribbean Curry Powder, Ras El Hanout or Fajita Seasoning.

Recipe inspiration

Cracking egg recipes

From frittata and tacos to sarnies and easy-but-impressive brunch ideas, we’ve got loads of delicious egg recipes to help put your new-found skills into practice. Browse the recipes online and get set to take this staple ingredient to the next level, whether you fancy a rich, tangy shakshuka, prep-ahead breakfast egg muffins or a moreish Coronation chopped egg baguette.

Make it egg-stra tasty

Published 9.19.2024