Sunny Side Up
A simple pan-fried egg with a set white and a bright, runny yolk at the center. This quick breakfast staple needs very little, but careful heat makes all the difference for tender whites and a glossy top.
For 4 servings
- prep
Crack each egg into a small bowl.
Keep the yolks whole so the eggs slide into the pan neatly and cook evenly.
- fry · ~1 min
Heat the oil in a nonstick pan.
Set the pan over low heat and warm the oil just until it shimmers lightly.
TIPKeep the heat low so the whites set gently without blistering or browning. - fry · ~1 min
Slide in the eggs and season lightly.
Add the eggs one by one, leaving space between them. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- fry · ~3 min
Cook until the whites are set.
Cook on low heat until the whites turn fully opaque and the yolks stay bright and runny.
TIPIf the top white near the yolk looks unset, cover the pan for 20 to 30 seconds to help it finish without flipping. - serve
Lift out the eggs and serve at once.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Crack each egg into a separate bowl first so you can slide it in gently without breaking the yolk.
- 2Use a truly low flame; if the oil smokes or the edges sizzle hard, the whites will turn rubbery and brown.
- 3Leave space between the eggs in the pan so the whites do not merge into one sheet.
- 4For fully set tops without flipping, cover the pan briefly for 20 to 30 seconds at the end.
- 5Season lightly after the eggs hit the pan so the salt does not draw moisture onto the surface too early.
- 6Serve immediately; sunny side up eggs lose their ideal runny-yolk texture if they sit too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use a very well-seasoned or high-quality nonstick pan and reduce the oil slightly for a lighter breakfast with the same runny center.
masalaMasala
Add a pinch of red chilli powder or chaat masala after cooking for a more Indian-style, punchy finish.
butter friedButter-fried
Swap the oil for butter if you want richer flavor and lightly nutty edges on the whites.
bastedBasted
Spoon a little warm oil over the whites near the yolk to set the surface faster without needing a lid.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Breakfast
Eggs provide satisfying protein that can help keep you full and make this simple breakfast more sustaining.
Nutrient-Dense Yolks
The yolks contain important vitamins and minerals, and keeping them runny preserves the classic texture of the dish.
Minimal Added Fat
This recipe uses only a small amount of oil, keeping the dish relatively light while still preventing sticking.
Frequently asked questions
Crack the egg into a small bowl first, then slide it gently into the pan close to the surface instead of dropping it from height.
