1. **Scrambled Eggs**:
- Crack the desired number of eggs into a bowl and beat them until the yolks and whites are well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for a few seconds until the edges start to set.
- Use a spatula to gently push and fold the eggs from the edges towards the center, allowing the uncooked eggs to flow to the edges.
- Continue cooking and stirring the eggs until they reach your desired level of doneness. Be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
2. **Fried Eggs**:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Crack an egg into a small dish or directly into the skillet, being careful not to break the yolk.
- Carefully slide the egg into the skillet and let it cook undisturbed until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny, about 2-3 minutes.
- Use a spatula to carefully flip the egg and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on how runny you want the yolk.
3. **Poached Eggs**:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add a splash of vinegar to help the egg whites coagulate.
- Crack an egg into a small dish.
- Using a spoon, create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water and carefully slide the egg into the center of the whirlpool.
- Cook the egg for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the poached egg from the water and drain off any excess water.
4. **Boiled Eggs**:
- Place the desired number of eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the eggs for:
- Soft-boiled: 4-6 minutes
- Medium-boiled: 8-10 minutes
- Hard-boiled: 12-14 minutes
- Once cooked, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Peel the eggs and serve them as desired.
These are just a few basic methods for cooking eggs. Experiment with different techniques and flavorings to find your favorite way to enjoy eggs!