How To Make An Omelet

An omelet on a gray plate with a side of fruit.

Discover how to cook the perfect omelet using a surprisingly easy culinary school technique. It only takes 10 minutes, and always results in the most tender and tasty folded eggs.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings serving

Calories 315kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

3 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons minced fresh herbs such as parsley, tarragon, or chives, optional
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, water, herbs if using, and salt and pepper to taste (I like 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper).
In a small non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until foaming subsides and swirl to coat the entire inside surface of the pan. Pour in egg mixture and reduce heat to medium.
With a rubber spatula, stir eggs until the bottom begins to set, about a minute (if adding any filling ingredients, do it here). Tilt skillet and flip eggs over themselves, using the spatula to help the folding, and fold either in half or in thirds.
To remove the omelet, angle the skillet over a serving plate, then flip omelet onto the plate.

Notes

Eggs: Plan on 3 eggs per person which yields a tender, easy-to-manage omelet.
Herbs: A scoop of chopped fresh chives, thyme, tarragon, or parsley is optional but worth it, especially if you're not filling the egg omelet with anything else.
Fillings: Consider almost anything savory in your refrigerator fair game for omelet-making. We've listed some popular options down below, but even a simple cheese filling is delicious. Use up a leftover bit of Boursin, some Pico de Gallo, the last strip bacon from your weekend brunch, or a spoonful of pesto.
Yield: This recipe makes a 3-egg omelet which is enough to feed one person for a hearty breakfast or light dinner.
Storage: For the best flavor and texture, devour your omelets immediately.
Make ahead: Since it only takes a few minutes to cook each omelet, feel free to work in advance in the stuffing prep. Store in separate containers per omelet, if desired, and feel free to crack and stir together the eggs early; refrigerate until you're ready to cook.

Nutrition