Over Medium Eggs

Learn how to make perfect over medium eggs in just 4 simple steps. Easy instructions, simple ingredients, yet restaurant-worthy texture and taste! 

What could be a better breakfast besides perfectly cooked over medium eggs?

I love my eggs this way because the completely cooked egg white and partially cooked yolk is just perfect to dip your toast in!

Table of Contents

1. What is over medium eggs? 
2. Over-easy vs. over-medium vs. over-hard
3. Ingredients needed
4. How to make eggs over medium? 
5. Tips to make perfect over-medium eggs
6. Storage instructions
7. More egg recipes to try
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Over Medium Eggs

What is over medium eggs? 

Over medium eggs are cooked exactly like over easy eggs, including the flipping. However, the egg yolk is where they differ. With this kind of egg, the yolk is mostly cooked but the exterior is somewhat firm.

The yolk looks similar to a soft boiled egg. If you’d like a harder yolk, try over hard eggs.

Over-easy vs. over-medium vs. over-hard

The difference between these three kinds of fried eggs is how well-cooked the yolk is. Here is how their yolk differentiates them:

Over easy: The egg white is cooked but with a completely runny yolk.

Over medium: Egg yolk is partially boiled, with hard-cooked edges and uncooked center. The egg white is also cooked.

Over hard: The egg is cooked by flipping until the yolk is completely cooked, similar to a hard-boiled egg.

Ingredients needed

You’ll need 4 ingredients to make this recipe. However, you can add more spices if you like. Here is everything you’ll need:

• Eggs. I typically only buy large or extra large eggs, but those are the best for this cooking method because there is little risk of them overcooking.
• Butter. When cooking any eggs, butter is always the preferred fat over popular cooking oils, like olive oil, vegetable oil, or bacon grease. Not only does it cook more evenly, it also tastes better. 
• Salt and pepper. Non-negotiable seasoning for eggs. 

How to make eggs over medium? 

Coat the pan with butter: Start by heating the pan over medium-low heat, then add butter to coat the pan surface evenly.

Cook eggs: Next, add eggs directly to the pan or crack in a small bowl if you want to keep the yolk in the middle of the egg. Season the eggs with salt and pepper then cook them until the whites are set. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes.

Serve: Now, transfer eggs to a plate and serve with your favorite breakfast foods.

Tips to make perfect over-medium eggs

Room temperature eggs: This might sound like such an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised with how many people cook eggs directly from the refrigerator. Just be sure to let the eggs sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. 

Use fresh eggs: ALWAYS check the use-by date, because you’d be surprised at how long some cartons have been sitting in the grocery store for.  

Use the right spatula: While metallic spatulas are more durable, non-stick ones are the best for cooking and flipping eggs becahey are more fragile, and the non-stick surface is easier to grip (which is super handy when flipping the eggs!).

Add more butter: Depending on the pan you use, you might notice the whites start to crisp up slightly. If I’m using a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty pan, I often add a little extra butter to ensure there is no risk of the eggs sticking to the bottom. 

Use the right skillet: Cast iron skillets and non-stick skillets are best for cooking any kind of eggs because the pan remains hot for a long time and they also heat up quickly. Avoid using a stainless steel pan as these are always prone to eggs sticking. 

Storage instructions

To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. 

To reheat: Contrary to popular belief, the best way to reheat these particular eggs are in the microwave with a paper towel on top. If you use a skillet again, do not add any oil and turn several times to prevent overcooking.

More egg recipes to try

• Avocado toast
• Crustless quiche
• Frittata
• Egg white omelette
• Breakfast casserole

Frequently Asked Questions