Gordon Ramsay is known for his high standards and culinary expertise, but he also has some surprising tips and tricks for making everyday dishes more delicious. One of his secrets is how to make perfect scrambled eggs, which he claims are “to die for”.
The chef demonstrated his unique method during a 2017 episode of Masterchef, where he cooked before a room of competitors. He explained that the key to making rich and silky scrambled eggs is to avoid overcooking them and to add one special ingredient at the end.
How to cook scrambled eggs like Gordon Ramsay
According to Ramsay, the first step is to crack six cold eggs and three small nobs of butter into a saucepan before bringing the pan to the heat. He then advises to start cooking the eggs very gently, stirring them constantly with a spatula and scraping the bottom of the pan.
The golden rule here is to keep the pan on the heat for roughly thirty seconds before removing it for the same amount of time. This slows down the cooking process and stops the eggs from overcooking, which can make them watery and rubbery.
Ramsay also warns not to season the eggs until the very end, as salt can break down the egg and make it watery if introduced too early on. He then reveals his secret ingredient that takes the scrambled eggs to a whole new level: a teaspoon of creme fraiche.
He says that adding creme fraiche gives a really nice creamy texture and more importantly, it stops the eggs from overcooking. He then finishes the dish with a little smidgen of chopped chives and serves it on a plate.
He describes the result as “nice and light, fluffy scrambled eggs that are a little bit creamy”. He adds that they are “scrambled eggs to die for”.
Why creme fraiche makes scrambled eggs better
Creme fraiche is a type of sour cream that has a higher fat content and a lower acidity than regular sour cream. It has a smooth and velvety texture and a mild tangy flavor that complements the eggs well.
Adding creme fraiche to scrambled eggs not only enhances their creaminess, but also helps prevent them from drying out or curdling. This is because creme fraiche has a higher heat tolerance than milk or cream, which can separate or burn when cooked at high temperatures.
Creme fraiche also adds some richness and moisture to the scrambled eggs, making them more satisfying and flavorful. It can also balance out the saltiness of the butter and seasonings, creating a harmonious taste.
How to make your own creme fraiche at home
If you don’t have creme fraiche in your fridge, you can easily make your own at home with just two ingredients: heavy cream and buttermilk. All you need to do is mix one cup of heavy cream with two tablespoons of buttermilk in a glass jar.
Then cover the jar loosely with a lid or a cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, until it thickens and becomes slightly sour. You can then store it in the fridge for up to two weeks and use it for various recipes, including scrambled eggs.
Alternatively, you can also use sour cream, yogurt, or cream cheese as substitutes for creme fraiche in scrambled eggs. However, they may have different textures and flavors than creme fraiche, so you may need to adjust the amount and seasoning accordingly.
