How to Make Scrambled Eggs: A Step-By-Step Guide

By Fraya Berg for Food Network Kitchen

Fraya is a chef and a contributing writer at Food Network.

Scrambled eggs are easy to make. But perfect light and creamy scrambled eggs? Those are another story. If you follow the steps below, we promise you'll achieve restaurant-worthy results every time. Step one: be patient. The best scrambled eggs are cooked low and slow.

How to Make Scrambled Eggs on the Stove

Scrambling eggs on the stove is the most classic method. For even more details, check out Food Network Kitchen's Simple Scrambled Eggs recipe.

Stovetop Scrambled Egg Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Medium nonstick skillet
• Rubber spatula
• Warm plate for cooked eggs

Stovetop Scrambled Eggs Ingredients

These amounts are for 2 to 4 servings.

• 8 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Stovetop Scrambled Eggs Instructions

Step 1: Beat the Eggs. Crack the eggs into the mixing bowl and whisk them until they're completely blended and you don’t see streaks of yolk and whites. Whisk in 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.

Step 2: Prep the pan. Heat the nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add butter to the pan and swirl it around until it melts and coats the pan. If it foams up a lot and starts to brown, take it off the heat immediately and let the pan cool. If the butter browns, you may want to start over with fresh butter.

Step 3: Add the eggs. Gently pour in the eggs. Pause to let them heat slightly — you’ll see the egg begin to turn opaque on the bottom of the pan. If they’re start setting rapidly, turn th eheat down even further: gentle heat is essential for creamy eggs.

Step 4: Scramble the eggs constantly. Use the spatula to move the eggs across the pan like a bulldozer so they cook evenly. Continue scrambling in this manner without pausing. The key to light, tender scrambled eggs is the long, slow cook and constant movement.

Step 5: Add mix-ins. As the eggs start to set, add chopped fresh herbs, or bits of ham or cheese if you'd like. If you’re making toast, now’s the time to cook it.

Step 6: Serve the eggs. Gently spoon the eggs onto the warmed plates.

How to Make Scrambled Eggs In the Microwave

Let’s be totally clear: while you can microwave scrambled eggs in a mug, they're not going to be as creamy as the stovetop version. Nevertheless, they'll still be tasty, and perhaps just what you need when you're in a hurry or don't have a stove or skillet handy.

Microwave Scrambled Egg Tools

• Fork
• 12-ounce mug

Microwave Scrambled Eggs Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 Tablespoons milk or water
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Stovetop Scrambled Eggs Instructions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients in the mug. Using a fork, beat the eggs, milk and salt together in a 12-ounce mug until completely mixed. Add the butter to the mug. Clean the fork.

Step 2: Microwave and stir the eggs. Microwave the eggs on high for 30 seconds. Remove the mug from the microwave and stir the eggs with the fork. Microwave the eggs on high for 30 more seconds. Remove the mug from the microwave and stir the eggs with the fork.

Step 3: Microwave in intervals. Microwave the eggs in 20 second intervals until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

Step 4: Add toppings. Sprinkle the eggs with cheese, pepper, scallion or any mix-in you like.

Scrambled Egg Recipes 

The Best Scrambled Eggs

These scrambled eggs are our take on a French scrambled eggs, a classic technique that achieves over-the-top creamy results with heavy cream, creme fraiche and plenty of butter. You can use sour cream in place of the creme fraiche.

Scrambled Eggs with Ricotta and Broccolini

Up the ante on your next scramble. Tender broccolini and creamy ricotta are delicious when stirred in scrambled eggs.

Breakfast Stuffed Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes make the tastiest wraps for scrambled egg, cheese and bacon filling.

Scrambled Eggs with Herbs

These scrambled eggs are an easy way to get all the flavors of a French omelet in just a few minutes.

Scrambled Eggs with Chorizo Sausage

These spicy scrambled eggs are delicious on their own, but they're also begging to be wrapped in a tortilla and enjoyed as a breakfast burrito.

Related Links:

Our Best Egg Recipes

20 Delicious Ways to Make Deviled Eggs

Our Favorite Egg Salad Recipes