Perfectly Skillet-Fried Eggs

1. Preheat the Skillet

Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over low heat for about five minutes. This gentle preheating ensures the butter melts evenly, preventing the eggs from sticking. While the skillet warms up, crack each egg into a small bowl or teacup to make the next step easier and cleaner.

2. Melt the Butter

Once the skillet is ready, add 1.5 teaspoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt and begin to foam, then swirl the skillet to distribute it evenly. This step ensures that the entire surface is coated, creating a perfect nonstick layer for the eggs. The butter should foam without browning, which indicates the heat is just right.

3. Cook the Eggs

Carefully pour the eggs from the bowls into the skillet simultaneously. This helps the eggs cook evenly. Immediately season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cover the skillet with a lid. Covering the skillet traps the heat, cooking the eggs from both the bottom and the top, which is essential for achieving the desired yolk consistency.

4. Finish Cooking

Cook the eggs for 2 minutes if you prefer runny yolks, 2.5 minutes for soft but set yolks, or 3 minutes for firmly set yolks. After the time is up, remove the lid and check the eggs. If they need a bit more time, continue cooking until they reach your preferred doneness.

5. Serve the Eggs

Finally, gently transfer the eggs to a plate. Enjoy your perfectly skillet-fried eggs, seasoned just right and cooked to perfection.