For perfectly cooked, amazingly tender fried eggs every time, just add one free ingredient and cover the pan with a lid. Cooking enthusiast and TikTok recipe sharer Felicia claims that achieving a perfectly cooked egg requires the addition of water.
Water-frying technique
Water-frying is an egg-cooking approach that many people may not have immediately considered. The cook demonstrated to her viewers that there is no need to use excessive amounts of fat to the point where eggs are dripping in grease, and that flipping them to properly cook the yolk is entirely unnecessary.
Sharing a video of herself frying eggs using water, Felicia said: "This is your friendly reminder that you don't have to flip eggs to achieve your perfect yolk. You just need a little water and a lid. Let the steam do the work for you."
How to make fried eggs with water
For this particular technique, Felicia noted in the comments section that it is best to use a non-stick frying pan with just the smallest spritz of oil to start. While it is technically possible to use water alone, the straightforward reality is that water does not possess a smoke point in the same way as oil or butter — meaning that when heated, it will boil or simmer before ultimately evaporating. It goes without saying that water is naturally tasteless.
That's why you'll want to start cooking the egg using a minimal amount of oil, add a small dash of water (roughly a teaspoon), and place a lid over the pan to allow the egg to steam. The steam that builds up beneath the lid ensures the eggs develop set whites, a creamy yolk and, potentially, crispy edges for an added texture.
Important precautions
Water-frying is undoubtedly a brilliant way to cook eggs, but there are some crucial points to bear in mind. First and foremost, exercise great caution when introducing water to the hot oil. Due to the high temperature of the oil, the water will evaporate almost immediately, causing the oil to spit and splatter as the steam escapes.
To minimise the risk of oil splattering, add small quantities of water to the pan little by little. This can help avoid grease burns or, in the worst-case scenario, a kitchen fire. While the eggs are steaming, keep the pan on a medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and reduce the likelihood of them turning rubbery and losing their flavour.
Healthier alternative and flavour ideas
Ultimately, when executed correctly, cooking eggs with water is an excellent choice. It can deliver results comparable to traditional pan-frying while providing a healthier alternative owing to the reduced amount of oil used. To enhance the flavour when cooking fried eggs in this way, you can experiment with a range of seasonings to create delicious eggs, such as smoky paprika or zesty garlic and onion powder.
