For The Fluffiest Scrambled Eggs, Add A Splash Of Seltzer
For a dish as simple as scrambled eggs, it sure is easy to go wrong. How often have you set out to make a plate of fluffy and light scrambled eggs only for them to come out dense or overdone? There are countless methods of making scrambled eggs, from violently whipping air into your egg mixture, incorporating whipping cream, or simply plopping your eggs into the pan and stirring. It seems the art of making scrambled eggs is a lot more individual than it might first appear. And sometimes, to achieve the perfect, fluffiest egg, you might have to think outside the box (or, in this case, bottle).
That's right, the trick to a better plate of scrambled eggs might be hidden in your fridge right now. As it turns out, seltzer water can help to make your eggs extra airy, fluffy, and light. That's right, the bubbly beverage, in addition to being a delightful alternative to flat water, can also help to pep up your morning plate of eggs. Those bubbles, carbon dioxide gas suspended in water, also serve to add volume to your egg mixture, and might just be the key to leveling up your scrambled egg game. Its usefulness goes beyond eggs, with many New York City delis using seltzer to pep up their cream cheese, and it is also used in many baking endeavors as well.
Bubbles and yolks
But how can seltzer improve your eggs? Essentially, seltzer helps to fluff up your eggs by incorporating pockets of air (the carbon dioxide bubbles found in the drink's carbonation) into your egg mixture. These bubbles, once exposed to heat, expand, creating a light and airy texture in your scramble that would otherwise require prolonged and intense whisking. To implement this simple cooking hack, all you'll need is a fork (or whisk), a bowl, eggs, and, of course, seltzer. You'll want to stick with unflavored seltzer for this recipe unless you have a hankering for lime-flavored eggs.
The general guidance is to add one tablespoon of seltzer for every two eggs you're planning to scramble. You can add in your seltzer either before or after you mix your yolks with your whites. However, it might be helpful to fully mix your yolks and whites before adding your seltzer. Doing so will allow minimal agitation once your seltzer is added, preventing these coveted bubbles from disappearing. That being said, you will want to fully incorporate the seltzer with your egg mixture before cooking, so make sure to fully stir in your water.
The seltzer added to your eggs should be used in place of milk or heavy cream, rather than in conjunction with them. Using both seltzer and another liquid in your eggs might result in a soggy final product. Once the seltzer is fully incorporated into your eggs, you can cook them as you usually would, making sure to stir your egg mixture to achieve a fluffy, smooth scramble. And voila! You've got some insanely fluffy eggs.
Making the best possible scramble
Of course, seltzer alone cannot mend a faulty scramble method. It is only one aspect of achieving the best and fluffiest scrambled eggs. If you truly want the best eggs, there are a few tricks and preparation methods you'll want to keep in mind. For one, you won't want to crack your eggs directly into your pan when scrambling. Doing so prevents you from fully scrambling your eggs before they begin cooking (and remember, you can't scramble an already-cooked egg). Cracking your eggs directly into a hot pan also prevents whisking or mixing, which are essential steps in scrambling eggs, as the act of mixing incorporates air, and results in a fluffier scramble. And who wants a flat, rubbery scrambled egg? Instead, you should mix your eggs in a separate bowl, right before adding your eggs to your pan. And don't be shy about whipping your eggs up, the more you agitate the egg mixture, the more air you add, allowing your eggs to fully fluff up.
Additionally, if you're hoping to achieve an extra rich and flavorful scrambled egg, you might want to try adding a few extra yolks to your egg mixture. The extra yolks will give your scramble a richer taste, and the increased fat content allows for a smoother texture. Ultimately, making the perfect scrambled egg is more complicated than implementing one simple trick. But if you're looking to pep up your eggs, adding some bubbles can be a good start.