How to Make Scrambled Eggs, Step by Step (2024)

The secret to making scrambled eggs is all about patience...and the proper pan. Here's a quick step-by-step guide to show you how to make scrambled eggs, plus we'll answer your most frequently asked questions.

1. Gather ingredients

To make scrambled eggs for two, you'll need 4 to 6 eggs, 4 to 6 tablespoons of milk (figure 1 tablespoon of milk for every egg), and salt and pepper to taste. Chopped fresh parsley and other herbs add flavor and visual appeal, but they're completely optional.

How to Make Scrambled Eggs, Step by Step (1)

2. Break some eggs

Crack eggs on a flat surface (helps ensure shells stay out of the mix) into a bowl that's deep enough for some serious whisking.

3. Add liquid (optional)

If you wish, you can thin the scrambled egg mix with milk, cream, lemon juice, or even a little water. This optional step makes gently cooked scrambled eggs tender, almost custardy. Add up to 1 tablespoon of liquid per egg. Whisk thoroughly. Using a fork to whisk is perfectly fine; just be sure to whisk the eggs until all of the yolks and whites are thoroughly mixed together.

How to Make Scrambled Eggs, Step by Step (2)

4. Heat the skillet

To make scrambled eggs on the stove, melt a teaspoon of butter or olive oil — or a combination of both — in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Butter and oil add rich flavor to the eggs and help prevent sticking, but you can also use cooking spray.

5. Add the eggs and stir

When the butter starts to bubble, or a drop of water added to the pan sizzles, slowly pour in the egg mixture. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and as soon as the eggs begin to "set" or form a slightly solid base (a minute or two), gently stir with a rubber spatula.

How to Make Scrambled Eggs, Step by Step (3)

6. Add more flavor

As soft curds begin to form, add minced herbs, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped scallions, sautéed mushrooms, chopped tomato, or anything else you like. Gently fold those ingredients into the eggs. Season with salt and pepper.

7. The big finish

Gently scrap the bottom of the pan, turning the eggs until almost all of the egg mixture has cooked through but there are still a few wet areas. Remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir until the eggs finish cooking using only the residual heat from the pan. This helps prevent the eggs from overcooking. Serve immediately, ideally on plates that have been warmed in the oven. Your perfect scrambled eggs are ready to be tucked into a breakfast burrito, placed onto toast or an English muffin, or on top of your favorite green salad for a French-inspired brunch dish.

Scrambled Eggs FAQ

How to Make Scrambled Eggs, Step by Step (5)

Still have scrambled egg questions? We've got you covered.

What's the best pan for scrambled eggs?

Cooking scrambled eggs is easiest in a nonstick skillet (and it cleans up quickly, too). Here's how to care for nonstick pans so you get many years of use.

Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Nonstick Cookware

How much milk do you put in scrambled eggs?

Adding milk or plain water to scrambled eggs is an optional step that affects the texture of your finished dish. For creamy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of milk for every egg. For fluffy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of water for every egg.

How long does it take to make scrambled eggs?

The time it takes to make scrambled eggs depends on how many eggs you are scrambling at one time. If you're going to make scrambled eggs for one, you might be using only 1 to 3 eggs, it might take you 3 to 5 minutes from the time you pour the egg mixture into the pan. If you're scrambling more eggs, it will take longer. Resist the temptation to turn up the heat to speed up the cooking. If your heat is too high, your eggs could turn out rubbery instead of tender.

How do you make scrambled eggs in a microwave?

The most common way to make scrambled eggs in a microwave is by placing one or two whisked eggs in a microwave-safe cup or bowl (wipe with oil to keep the mixture from sticking). Microwave on medium-high until cooked through, stirring every 15 seconds. Or follow the users' manual that comes with your microwave. Try this recipe for Scrambled Eggs in a Mug, or get a little fancy with Margherita Mug Eggs.

Browse our entire collection of scrambled egg recipes.

FAQs

How to Make Scrambled Eggs, Step by Step? ›

Adding milk or plain water to scrambled eggs is an optional step that affects the texture of your finished dish. For creamy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of milk for every egg. For fluffy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of water for every egg.

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How much liquid should be added per egg when making scrambled eggs? ›

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Should you add milk or butter to scrambled eggs? ›

Chefs and home cooks agree that butter is the only dairy you need when scrambling eggs. Use medium to low heat and melt a tablespoon or two in the bottom of your pan until it is golden (but not brown). Then add your whisked eggs, and cook without stirring until the mixture begins to set on the bottom.

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What can you put on scrambled eggs to make them taste better? ›

Chives are a classic choice, but dill, cilantro, or parsley can all add a lot of flavor with very little effort. Scallions also work nicely for a beautiful pop of green that cuts through some of the richness of the eggs.

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What is the cardinal rule when cooking scrambled eggs? ›

Low and slow is the motto to live by when making scrambled eggs. A low flame makes for more evenly cooked eggs, with less evaporation of water, resulting in softer, more luscious curds.

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What makes fluffier scrambled eggs, water or milk? ›

Preferring water over milk isn't just our opinion—science also supports using water over milk (if you want fluffy eggs). Adding water to eggs essentially steams them, as the water evaporates during cooking, and this yields a fluffier scramble.

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How do restaurants make their scrambled eggs so fluffy? ›

Omelettes are cooked over higher heat, while rolling the pan to distribute the uncooked portion and folding over. Scrambled eggs are cooked over lower heat and stirred slowly. This lower heat, slower process keeps the eggs fluffy and soft.

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What happens if you add too much milk to scrambled eggs? ›

When overheated, these bonds tighten and can squeeze out moisture from the eggs, leading to a dry, rubbery product. That's why so many modern chefs recommend that you should think twice about putting milk in your scrambled eggs. The protein-rich mixture becomes easier to overcook, leading to the dreaded rubbery egg.

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Do you start scrambled eggs in a hot or cold pan? ›

You want the pan to be hot before you add the eggs (that heat creates steam, which is key to fluffiness) but not so hot that the scramble cooks too quickly. Like a good takeaway, scrambled eggs should not be rushed. Never crank the stovetop heat over medium, Martindale says.

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