When should I add salt to scrambled eggs

We've all done it!

salt

Scrambled eggs: the first thing I learnt to cook at age 10. They’re so simple, you’d think they’re impossible to mess up. Just eggs, milk, salt and butter – crack, whisk, cook. 

Think again. We’ve all come across a plate of watery, rubbery eggs that prove otherwise (*cough* school camp breakfast). So, what are top-notch cafes doing that make their fluffy, creamy eggs worlds apart from the disappointing scrambles we see far too often?

One word: salt. 

When should you add salt to scrambled eggs?

Are we supposed to add salt once they’re cooked, halfway through cooking or into the egg mixture? Over the years, we’ve heard whispers of each method, so we called in our Food Director (and resident egg expert), Michelle Southan, to give us the facts. 

Food expert reveals the secret to the perfect scrambled eggs

Michelle confirmed that you must always season the egg mixture with salt BEFORE cooking. She explains: “The salt prevents the proteins in the yolks from binding together too tightly as they heat.” If the proteins are too tight the water separates out and will cause your eggs to weep. Salting the egg mixture ensures the eggs stay moist and tender, preventing them from turning out hard and rubbery.

This failproof scrambled eggs recipe not only creates a soft, lush, custard-like scramble, it also ensures the eggs are evenly seasoned for the most flavourful eggs.

Why do my scrambled eggs go watery?

Another reason your scramble may have gone from fluffy and promising to watery in a matter of seconds is due to the heat of the pan. When the protein in the egg becomes overcooked, it starts leaching out liquid. To avoid this, make sure your pan is on medium heat. 

The secret to perfect scrambled eggs

For the perfect scrambled eggs, cook the eggs until they appear three-quarters done. Then, remove the pan from the heat and allow the residual heat to finish cooking. Trust the process on this one — even though they may not look fully cooked at this stage, this tip makes a world of difference for creamy, fluffy eggs.  

Can you poach eggs in the microwave?

Yep, we’ve got a microwave poached eggs recipe that will change your life. It’s as easy as cracking an egg into a microwave-safe glass or cup and microwaving for 1 minute! 

Originally published as When should I add salt to scrambled eggs