How to Cook an Egg Over Hard

When it comes to the different types of fried eggs, most people are quite particular about how they like them. If you prefer over-hard eggs, here's how you can make them at home. These fried egg recipe ideas might also come in handy.

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Over-hard eggs are not to be confused with hard-boiled eggs. The American Egg Board (AEB) explains that over-hard eggs are one of the types of fried eggs. In fact, the AEB lists multiple types of fried eggs, including sunny-side up eggs, over easy eggs, over-hard eggs, basted eggs and steam-basted eggs.

While sunny-side up eggs are cooked only on one side, over easy and over-hard eggs are cooked on both sides. Over easy eggs are cooked for a shorter duration and have a runny yolk while over-hard eggs are cooked for an additional minute or two until the yolk is firm

Just in case you were wondering, basted eggs are eggs that are basted with butter from the pan while the egg is frying, and steam-basted eggs are eggs that are basted with the steam generated by adding a teaspoon of water to the pan while the egg is frying.

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Follow these steps to cook over-hard eggs. You will need eggs and a little butter. In terms of equipment, you will need a non-stick frying pan, a bowl and a spatula.

• Get the pan ready: Put a little butter in the non-stick frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it gets hot.
• Add the eggs: Break an egg into the bowl and slip it into the pan. If you're cooking multiple eggs, repeat this process for each egg. Turn the heat down to low as soon as you put the eggs in the pan. Do not cover the pan.
• Flip the eggs: Wait until the egg whites are completely done and the yolks have started to thicken but have not hardened. The AEB estimates that this should take five to six minutes. Slip your spatula under each egg and gently flip it over. Try to flip the eggs over in the order you added them to the pan, so that they get equally cooked. Cook the eggs for another 30 seconds to one minute, until they reach your desired level of doneness.

You can enjoy your over-hard eggs as is or use them in recipes that require fried eggs. The USDA recommends serving the eggs immediately after cooking them, or refrigerating them immediately in shallow containers so that they cool down quickly. You should use the refrigerated eggs within three to four days.

In case you don't want to eat the egg plain, here are a couple of fried egg recipe ideas that you might enjoy:

• Fried rice: This LIVESTRONG.com recipe suggests topping vegetable fried rice with a fried egg and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Mushroom toast with fried egg: Try our healthy and delicious recipe for Mushroom Toast With Fried Egg. Spread ricotta cheese on toast, add sauteed mixed mushrooms on top, place the fried egg over the mushrooms and garnish with fresh herbs.
• Oatmeal with fried egg: If you like savory oatmeal, try our Savory Oatmeal Topped With a Fried Egg. Cook the oatmeal with onion, bacon and cheese and serve it with a fried egg on top.

According to the USDA, a fried egg offers 90.2 calories, 6.26 grams of protein, 6.83 grams of fat and 0.38 grams of carbs. A study published in the journal Nutrients in March 2019 notes that eggs also contain vitamins like vitamin A, B, D, E and K and minerals like potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The nutrition quotient of your meal could vary depending on how you choose to serve your egg.

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