Over Medium Eggs are a breakfast staple around the world, but not all eggs are created—or cooked—the same way. Whether you’re a fan of runny yolks, firm whites, or something in between, there’s a specific style for everyone. One egg style that often gets overlooked but deserves more attention is the over medium eggs
So what exactly is an over medium egg? How do you cook it perfectly? And why might it become your new favorite way to eat eggs? Let’s break it down.
What is an Over Medium Egg?
An over medium egg is a style of fried egg that’s cooked on both sides, with the yolk partially set but still a little soft. Think of it as the happy medium between over easy (very runny yolk) and over hard (fully cooked yolk).
The whites are completely set and firm, while the yolk remains thick and slightly gooey. It won’t spill out like a sunny-side-up egg, but it also won’t be dry like a hard-boiled one.
Why Choose Over Medium?
There are lots of reasons someone might go for over medium eggs over other types:
- Texture Balance: You get the best of both worlds—firm whites and a creamy yolk.
- Less Mess: Since the yolk is partially set, it doesn’t make your plate messy.
- Great for Sandwiches: These eggs hold up better in sandwiches and burgers.
- Tasty and Versatile: They pair well with toast, hash browns, rice, or even on top of a salad.
How to Cook the Perfect Over Medium Egg
Learning the over moderate egg isn’t difficult, but it does involve a bit of time and finesse. Here’s a simple guide to help you nail it every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1–2 fresh eggs
- 1 tbsp of butter or oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Pan
Collection your pot around medium temperature and add your butter or gas. Let it heat for about a minute until the fat is hot and shimmering.
2. Crack the Egg Gently
Crack the egg into a small bowl first, then gently slide it into the pan. This gives you more get a handle on and prevents breaking the yolk.
3. Let it Cook – Don’t Touch Yet
Let the egg cook for 2–3 minutes until the whites are mostly set but the yolk is still raw on top. The edges might start to get a little crispy—that’s okay!
4. Flip Carefully
Use a thin spatula to gently flip the egg. Try to do it smoothly and in one go to avoid breaking the yolk.
5. Cook the Second Side
Let the egg cook on the flipped side for 45 seconds to 1 minute. This will partially cook the yolk, giving it that “over medium” finish.
6. Remove and Serve
Carefully remove the egg from the skillet. Season with a bit of salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Tips for Cooking Over Medium Eggs
Cooking eggs is a mix of technique and timing. Here are a few extra tips to help perfect your over medium eggs:
- Use a non-stick pan to make flipping easier.
- Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones.
- Avoid high heat, which can brown or burn the egg whites.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook one or two eggs at a time for best results.
Over Medium vs. Other Egg Styles
If you’re still trying to find your favorite egg style, here’s a quick comparison:
| Egg Style | Yolk Texture | Cooked On Both Sides | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunny Side Up | Fully runny | No | On toast, visually pretty |
| Over Easy | Runny | Yes | For dipping toast |
| Over Medium | Slightly runny/set | Yes | Sandwiches, breakfast plates |
| Over Hard | Fully cooked | Yes | Burritos, meal prep |
| Scrambled | Mixed together | Yes | Omelets, wraps |
| Poached | Soft, runny | No (boiled) | Eggs Benedict, fancy dishes |
| Hard-Boiled | Fully set | No (boiled) | Salads, snacks |
How to Use Over Medium Eggs in Meals
You don’t have to stop at just breakfast. Over medium eggs are great in a wide range of dishes.
1. Breakfast Sandwiches
Slide an over medium egg between an English muffin or bagel with cheese and sausage or bacon. The yolk adds creaminess without being messy.
2. On Top of Burgers
Tired of dry burgers? Add an over medium egg on top for that rich, satisfying bite.
3. Over Rice or Grain Bowls
In Korean bibimbap or a brown rice bowl, over medium eggs bring protein and moisture to the dish.
4. Toast & Avocado
Add one to your morning toast with avocado and a dash of red chili flakes.
5. Salads
Sliced over medium eggs can be a great protein topper for lunch salads.
Health Benefits of Eggs
Let’s not forget that eggs aren’t just delicious—they’re nutrient powerhouses. Here’s what you’re getting in one large egg:
- 6 grams of protein
- 5 grams of healthy fats
- Vitamins A, D, E, B12
- Iron and choline
Cooking an egg over medium retains most of these nutrients without adding extra calories—especially if you go easy on the butter or oil.
Cooking over medium eggs sounds simple, but a few mistakes can ruin it. Watch out for these:
- Cooking too fast: Medium heat gives you control.
- Breaking the yolk: Use a gentle hand and a thin spatula.
- Overcooking: More than a minute on the second side will make the yolk too hard.
- Not seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper makes a big difference.
Creative Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists on the classic over medium egg:
- Spicy Over Medium: Add chili oil or hot sauce right after flipping.
- Cheesy Skillet Egg: Sprinkle shredded cheese in the pan before adding the egg.
- Garlic-Butter Base: Melt garlic with butter for extra flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme, chives, or parsley while cooking.
FAQs About Over Medium Eggs
Q1: How do I know when my egg is over medium?
The best way to check is by gently pressing the yolk with a spatula—it should feel soft but not liquid. Or cut into it slightly; the yolk should be thick and slow-moving, not fully runny.
Q2: Can I make around medium eggs without flipping?
Technically yes—you can baste the top with hot butter or cover the pan with a lid. But it’s harder to get that perfect over medium consistency without flipping.
Q3: Are over medium eggs safe to eat?
Yes, they’re generally safe if the whites are fully cooked. The yolk is partially cooked, reducing the risk of foodborne illness, but people with compromised immune systems might prefer fully cooked yolks.
Q4: Can I use oil instead of butter?
Absolutely. Use olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral oil you prefer. Butter adds flavor, but oil works fine and is better for higher heat cooking.
Q5: Why is my yolk hard after flipping?
You’ve likely overcooked it. Try reducing the cook time on the second side to about 45 seconds to 1 minute, and use medium or medium-low heat.
Q6: What’s the best pan for over medium eggs?
A non-stick pan is ideal. If you have a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, that works too. Avoid stainless steel unless you’re very confident with your technique.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Master the Over Medium Egg
The over medium egg is a humble but delicious upgrade to your everyday breakfast (and beyond). It’s all about that perfectly cooked white and just-set yolk—creamy, satisfying, and super versatile. Whether you’re stacking it on a sandwich, topping a rice bowl, or enjoying it solo, this egg style delivers every time.
If you haven’t given over medium eggs a try, now’s the time. With just a bit of patience and the right technique, you’ll be flipping like a pro.
