Easy Over Medium Eggs

Over Medium Eggs are a beautiful thing. The whites are just firm enough on the outside to hold a slightly runny, golden yolk that oozes deliciousness. And with a few tips, you too can learn how to fry an over-medium egg perfectly every time!

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It takes only 5 minutes and it’s so easy to make! Plus, they are vegetarian-friendly, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

How do you like your eggs for breakfast? Scrambled? Poached? Hard-boiled? Sunny-side up or over-easy? To me, over medium fried eggs are my favorite. It seems simple enough, but most people would agree that it’s difficult to get the egg white perfectly set while the yolk is slightly runny. 

Frying eggs is one of the easiest methods for creating healthy eggs. So today I’ll share with you some simple tips to fry the perfect over medium eggs. 

What Is An Over Medium Egg?

In diner lingo, there are a lot of variations of fried egg lingo as well as many types of fried eggs. For an over-medium egg, the white is firm and the yolk is slightly runny and like a loose and jammy custard.

What Do Over Medium Eggs Look Like?

Over medium eggs have the whites cooked fully, but the yolk is partially cooked and a bit runny.

Over Medium Eggs Vs Sunny Side Up Eggs

Unlike sunny side up eggs, which are cooked on one side and never flipped, over medium eggs are cooked on both sides.

After the white is set on one side, it’s then flipped and cooked until the yolk begins to solidify a little bit. The “medium” refers to the doneness of the yolk, which is somewhere between “over easy” and “over hard” eggs.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Over Medium Eggs

To make over medium eggs, you will need:

• Eggs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter or oil

Tips That Work (And Don’t Work)

Cracking an egg into a bowl first: I tried cracking the egg into the pan directly and into a small bowl first. Both methods cook the egg the same way, but cracking the egg into a bowl helps to keep the yolk stay in the center of the white easily, resulting a better-looking fried egg. If you’re in a rush in the morning, and don’t want to clean extra dishes, you can skip it.

• Verdict: optional, but I recommend it.

Fresh eggs: They have firmer and less liquidy whites which can hold the shape better, so use the freshest eggs possible. Older eggs in the fridge are perfect for making hard boiled eggs.

• Verdict: yes, definitely. Fresh eggs are the best.

Thin spatula: To make the best over-medium eggs, a thin non-stick spatula is important. You’ll need to slide the spatula under the egg and flip it gently so the yolk won’t break. 

• Verdict: yes, do it.

Use a fork to poke the egg white: Some people say that you can poke the white to let the liquid flow down while cooking the first side, but this could potentially scratch the surface of your egg white. I always avoid it. 

• Verdict: Don’t do it.

Pick The Right Pan

It’s very important to use a pan or skillet that’s non-stick, which will guarantee that your eggs roll off easily. Pick the right size so that your eggs have plenty of room to spread out but it’s not too big (as you’ll need a lot of butter or oil to coat the bottom).

For two eggs, an 8-inch pan is the right size. If you are cooking for a larger crows, you’ll need something bigger.

How To Cook Over Medium Eggs (With Step-By-Step Instructions)

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. (You may need to try a few times to find the right temperature.)
2. Add butter or oil, and coat the pan evenly. It’s very important to make sure the pan is well-oiled so that the eggs don’t stick. (Spread the butter with a spatula if necessary.)
3. Crack the egg into a small bowl.
4. Once the butter is melted, add the egg into the pan gently.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the eggs on the first side for about 3-4 minutes until the white is set and the corners just begin to curl. 
7. Flip the egg gently using a thin non-stick spatula. (Make sure the spatula is all the way under the yolk.)
8. Cook for about 2 minutes, and flip once more. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Gentle heat is important for even cooking. If you’re uncertain about the temperature of your stove, start with lower temperature to avoid the crispy and chewy texture of the egg white.

When To Flip The Egg?

Probably this is the most nerve-wracking part of making an over-medium egg: when to flip? Here’s is the golden rule: wait until the outer layer of the whites are completely set while a half-inch of the whites surrounding the yolk are starting to set (see the photo above). It usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes depending on the power of your stove. 

Pro Tip: Use a thin, flat and non-stick spatula to slide underneath the egg, making sure it’s centered under the yolk, then gently flip the egg over. Be careful not to break the yolk.

How To Tell When It’s Done

You can check the yolk by gently pressing on the top of the egg with your finger. A runny yolk feels quite soft and jiggly. If it gives a little more resistance, your egg is ready. 

How Long Do You Cook An Over Medium Egg?

For a firm white and slightly runny yolk you’ll want to cook the first side for about 3 minutes, and flip and cook for about 2 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the power of your stove.

Pro tip: Make sure the egg is centered over the flames under the pan.

How To Serve Over Medium Eggs

I love to serve them over buttered toast which can soak up all the delicious runny yolk. You can also serve them on English muffin with sliced tomatoes.

How To Store Over Medium Eggs

If you have leftover medium eggs, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store them, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them immediately after cooking.

How To Reheat Leftover Over Medium Eggs

To reheat leftovers over medium eggs, place them in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for a few minutes until they are heated through.

The Differences Between Over-Easy, Over-Medium, And Over-Hard Eggs

There a four basic styles of fried eggs: sunny-side up, over-easy, over-medium and over-well. Sunny-side up is an unflipped egg while the other 3 are flipped eggs. What distinguishes them is the degree of doneness. You can order fried eggs at a diner based on your preference. Below is the guide showing you the differences.

Styles	Whether the eggs are flipped	Texture
Sunny-side up	No	The white is just barely set, and the yolk is still raw and translucent.
Over-easy	Yes	The white is set but the yolk is still runny.
Over-medium	Yes	The white is firm and the yolk is slightly runny, like a loose and jammy custard.
Over-well	Yes	The white is firm and the yolk is hard.

Variations

There are many variations you can try to make over medium eggs even more delicious. While the eggs are still cooking, add shredded cheese or finely chopped herbs such as chives, dill, parsley, or basil. You can also cook the eggs in different types of fat, such as bacon grease or coconut oil, to give them a unique flavor.

FAQs

Should I use olive oil or butter for over medium eggs?

You can use either butter or olive oil for over medium eggs, just make sure you use enough to coat the pan so the eggs don’t stick. If you’re looking to stay on the healthy side, go for olive oil. 

What should the yolk look like in over medium eggs?

The yolk in over medium eggs should be jammy – partially cooked and partially runny. It should be firm around the edges and slightly runny in the center.

Should I cook over medium eggs with butter or oil?

Both butter and oil can be used to cook over medium eggs. Butter adds flavor and richness to the eggs, while oil has a higher smoke point and can be better for high-heat cooking. Ultimately, the choice between butter and oil comes down to personal preference.

Can you make over medium eggs without flipping them?

Yes, you can make over medium eggs without flipping them. To do this, simply cover the skillet with a lid while the eggs are cooking to trap the heat and cook the top of the egg.

What are some good toppings for over medium eggs?

Some good toppings for over medium eggs include cheese, avocado, salsa, bacon, and sautéed vegetables.

Are over medium eggs healthier than over easy eggs?

There is no significant difference in the nutritional value of over medium eggs compared to over easy eggs. However, over medium eggs may be a better option for those who are concerned about food safety, as the partially cooked yolk reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

How do you cook multiple over medium eggs at once?

To cook multiple over medium eggs at once, use a large non-stick skillet and make sure the eggs are not touching each other. Cook them in batches if necessary.

Can you make over medium eggs with a runny yolk?

Yes, you can make over medium eggs with a runny yolk. Simply cook the eggs for less time to keep the yolk runny.

Other Egg Recipes You’ll Like

• Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
• Sous Vide Poached Eggs