Forget wrestling with a splattering frying pan. Achieving the elusive perfect fried egg – with a gloriously runny yolk and crisp, lacy edges – is now a task that takes less than a minute and requires no hob at all, according to a leading expert.
The 60-Second Microwave Revelation
Tom Ferris, an egg specialist from Roostys, has shared what he calls a "far easier" method for creating a fried-style egg using a device found in almost every UK kitchen: the microwave. The technique capitalises on how eggs react to intense, direct heat, cooking "incredibly fast" to deliver a result that mimics the traditional fried favourite.
"People are always surprised when I tell them you can make a fried-style egg in the microwave," Ferris explained. "It's one of the first things I learned as a teenager experimenting in the kitchen. It looks, tastes, and even feels like a fried egg, but you don't need to use a hob or lots of oil, and it's ready in about 60 seconds."
The Crucial Steps to Avoid Rubberiness
The key challenge, Ferris notes, is preventing the egg from turning rubbery. The secret lies in a tiny bit of oil and precise timing. For this hack, you will need just a few items: a microwave-safe bowl or mug, a paper towel, one fresh egg, and a tablespoon of cooking oil.
"You can use any oil you prefer, like olive, sunflower, or even butter if you want that classic fried flavour," Ferris advised. The process is straightforward but requires attention to one critical safety step.
How to Execute the Perfect Microwave Egg
First, pour the oil into your chosen bowl and swirl it to coat the base evenly. Crack your egg directly into the oiled bowl. Then, gently prick the yolk a few times with a fork. "It's crucial not to skip this step," Ferris warns, "as the yolk can literally blow up in the microwave."
After seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, loosely cover the bowl with a paper towel. This allows for controlled steaming and contains any potential splatters. Next, microwave the egg on full power. The ideal cooking time is roughly one minute, though a high-powered appliance may need only around 45 seconds.
Once the microwave beeps, resist the urge to eat immediately. Let the egg sit in the bowl for a full minute to rest. "It'll continue to cook gently while it's resting, achieving that perfect texture," Ferris said. Finally, scoop it out with a spoon and serve it directly onto hot buttered toast for an instant, satisfying meal.
This revolutionary method promises to streamline morning routines and offer a quick, less messy alternative to a classic culinary task, proving that sometimes the best kitchen hacks are also the simplest.
