Steamed Fried Egg

Name: Steamed Fried Egg (Oil-Free)
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 4 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 1 tbsp water

A steamed fried egg is a no-oil cooking technique where steam from a wet paper towel cooks the egg evenly on both sides without sticking to the pan. The method delivers a perfectly cooked yolk and set whites in minutes.

🏷️Fried egg 🏷️Steamed egg 🏷️Egg 🏷️Breakfast 🏷️Healthy 🏷️No-oil

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TikTok

Total

4 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$8–$13

Recipe Source

View original recipe

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Ingredients

1 large egg
1 tbsp water

2 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Crack an egg directly into a cold, non-stick frying pan.
2
Take a single sheet of paper towel and fold it four times to create a small square.
3
Soak the folded paper towel in water.
4
Place the wet paper towel in the pan, next to the egg.
5
Cover the pan with a lid and turn on the heat. The water will create steam, cooking the egg from both the top and bottom.
6
Cook until the egg white is set and the yolk is cooked to your liking. The egg is ready when the condensation on the lid clears.
7
Remove the lid and slide the perfectly cooked, non-stick egg out of the pan.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking without added oil.
Keep the heat at medium to medium-low so steam cooks gently and the egg white doesn't brown before the yolk sets.
Wet the paper towel thoroughly but squeeze out excess water so it drapes loosely over the egg—too much water delays cooking.
Check doneness by gently pressing the yolk; it should feel set on the outside but yield slightly for a runny center.

Substitutions

Water → broth or stock (adds minimal flavor since steam carries little seasoning)
Paper towel → parchment paper or silicone lid (alternative steam covers)

Storage & make-ahead

Steamed fried eggs are best eaten immediately; leftover cooked eggs can be refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheated gently in a low oven.

Common Questions

Can I use this method for multiple eggs at once?

Yes, scale the water and paper towel accordingly, but ensure the pan is large enough that eggs don't overlap for even steam circulation.

What type of pan works best for steamed fried eggs?

A non-stick skillet works best to prevent sticking, though stainless steel or cast iron can work if well-seasoned or lightly oiled first.

How do I know when the egg is done?

The whites will be set and opaque, and the yolk will feel slightly firm to the touch when gently pressed; check after 3–4 minutes depending on heat level.