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+ servings

Omelet

Simple step-by-step instructions for how to make the perfect omelet at home.
To my taste, a perfect omelet is about the juxtaposition of unrelated forms: a smooth, rich, custardy interior encased in a golden, ever-so-slightly crisp exterior.
Many, and I do mean many, omelet recipes call for cooking the eggs in a combination of oil and butter, the logic being that the oil will raise the temperature at which the butter will burn. This is idiotic. Just because I go swimming with Michael Phelps doesn't make me fast. The solids in butter will burn just as handily in oil as in the pan. So stick with butter, which by the way, tastes good.
This recipe first appeared in Season 7 of Good Eats.
Photo by Lynne Calamia
Omelet topped with chives on a black plate with a fork.
ACTIVE TIME: 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 serving

Software

  • 3 large eggs, warmed in hot water for 5 minutes
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon room temperature butter, plus 1/2 teaspoon for finishing omelet
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped chives

Procedure

  • Crack the warm eggs into a bowl, add salt and beat with a fork. Heat a 10-inch nonstick aluminum pan over medium heat.
  • Once the pan is hot, add the butter and use a pastry brush to brush the butter around the surface of the pan. Pour the eggs into the center of the pan and stir vigorously with a rubber spatula for 5 seconds. As soon as a semi-solid mass begins to form, lift the pan and move it around until the excess liquid pours off into the pan. Using your spatula, move it around the edge of the egg mixture to help shape into a round and loosen the edge. Let the omelet sit in the pan for 10 seconds without touching.
  • Shake the pan to loosen the egg from the pan. Lift up the far edge of the pan and snap it back toward you to flip the omelet. Using your spatula, fold over one-third of the omelet. Slide the omelet onto a plate and fold over so that the omelet is a tri-fold. Coat with the remaining butter and sprinkle with the chives. Serve immediately.