Is Water-Fried Egg the New Breakfast Trend?
Ever heard of frying eggs in water? It sounds unconventional, but is it a culinary game-changer, or just a kitchen gimmick? Let's dive in!
Typically, when we think of 'fried' food, we imagine cooking with fat. However, the concept of frying eggs in water has been gaining traction. But is this method worth the hype?
Lisa Steele, a chicken-keeper and author of the cookbook "In Season: 125+ Sweet and Savory Recipes Celebrating Simple, Fresh Ingredients" (coming out in May 2026), is skeptical. She points out that water-fried eggs lack the appealing crispy, browned edges we get from oil-fried eggs. Instead, the whites remain soft. Steele suggests that this method is essentially 'shallow-poaching'.
Steele's primary concern with water-frying eggs is the impact on flavor. She warns that water-frying doesn't add any extra flavor or richness, which can result in a bland taste. If you're looking for alternatives to oil, butter, or bacon grease, Steele recommends using cream, stock, beer, or even wine to enhance the flavor.
How to Cook Eggs in Water
Despite the drawbacks, water-fried eggs do offer some advantages. They are lower in calories and fat and require no extra ingredients besides the egg itself, making them a budget-friendly option. According to Steele, you can crack the eggs into about ⅛ inch of simmering water. This prevents sticking without fully submerging the egg. Cook until the whites are set and the yolk reaches your desired level of firmness. To cook the yolk faster, tilt the pan and baste it with some of the water. When done, use a slotted spatula to remove the egg, allowing excess water to drain.
The Best of Both Worlds
There's also a hybrid method that offers the best of both worlds. This approach uses a small amount of fat in the pan, about half the amount you'd use for oil-frying (e.g., one tablespoon instead of two). After cooking the egg in oil for about 30 seconds, add hot water to the pan and baste the egg. Alternatively, cover the pan to steam-fry the egg, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
But here's where it gets controversial...
What do you think? Would you try water-fried eggs, or do you prefer the traditional methods? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What are your favorite ways to cook eggs?
